Novel mesoporous alumina supported alkali and enzymatic catalysts for biodiesel production

Wei Wu

    Research output: ThesisDoctoral Thesis

    366 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    The thesis work aimed to develop mesoporous alumina (MA) supported potassium (MAK) and pseudomonas flourescens lipase as heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production. MA was synthesised following a sol-gel pathway and structural properties were controlled by manipulating synthesis conditions. Greater surface area, pore volume and pore size of the MA led to less mass transfer limitation and better catalytic performance of both MAK and enzymatic catalysts. The maximum biodiesel yield reached 92.2% and 88.9% for the two catalysts, respectively. MAK catalysed transesterification was found to follow the Eley-Rideal mechanism. Response surface methodology was used to optimise the enzymatic transesterification process.
    Original languageEnglish
    QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
    Awarding Institution
    • The University of Western Australia
    Supervisors/Advisors
    • Zhang, Dongke, Supervisor
    • Zhou, Wenxu, Supervisor
    • Zhu, Mingming, Supervisor
    Award date14 Feb 2017
    Publication statusUnpublished - 2016

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