Catalyst for Green Biodiesel Production from Unrefined Feedstock

A durable catalyst developed for green biodiesel production from low grade feedstock through one-step catalysis.

Biodiesel is a renewable liquid fuel originated from biomass, but it is not widely used because of its complicated production process and high cost. Since conventional liquid catalyst can only convert plant oil in its purest form into biodiesel, raw plant oil must be purified by adding strong acid or alkali before it can be used. To remove the added acid/alkali, the biodiesel must undergo a purification procedure which generates a huge amount of waste water. Therefore, a research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a new class of solid catalyst for biodiesel production.

This new catalyst has excellent adaptability to low grade unrefined feedstock like waste cooking oil, and no waste water is created during the production process. In addition, it operates at significantly lower temperatures and pressures due to its high catalytic activity, which can reduce cost and energy consumption.

Special Features and Advantages
• One-step biodiesel production from low grade unrefined feedstock
• No washing with fresh water required for biodiesel produced
• Operates at low temperatures and pressures which can reduce cost and energy consumption
• The catalyst demonstrates excellent reusability and robustness

Applications
This new catalyst is designed for one-step energy saving biodiesel synthesis from low grade unrefined feedstock containing high free fatty acid and water content with no post-production washing required. Toxic methanol used can also be replaced by ethanol or propanol which makes the process more sustainable.

Awards
• Gold Medal - 43rd International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, Switzerland (April 2015)
• Thailand Award for Best International Invention from The National Research Council of Thailand - 43rd International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, Switzerland (April 2015)

Principal Investigator
Dr Ka-fu YUNG
Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Contact Details
Institute for Entrepreneurship
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Tel: (852) 3400 2929 Fax: (852) 2333 2410 Email: [email protected]