Fatty acid methyl ester synthesis in the cold plasma reactor using CO2 and steam mixture

Abstract

The synthesis of FAME (biodiesel) and alkanes (C10 – C20) compounds from vegetable oil and methanol in non-thermal plasma DBD reactor was performed with satisfactory results. This mainly because catalyst was not needed, relatively low energy requirement, and the absence of glycerol by-products. In addition, maximum yield of methyl ester (88.97%) was attained at an optimal reaction condition of 40 °C temperature, 1:1 molar ratio for oil to methanol, 10.2 kV plasma voltage, and a time frame of 120 minutes..