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 language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 14 Feb 2017 |
Publication status | Unpublished - 2016 |