Abstract
M.Tech. (Chemical Engineering)
There are a number of processes for the production of biodiesel. Homogenous catalysed
processes are the most popular in large scale production due to short reaction times and less
extreme reaction conditions. Despite this, homogenous catalysts have a number of disadvantages
which include: high probability of soap formation in the presence of water and free fatty acids;
they cannot be re-used since some of the catalyst is consumed during the reaction and the
separation of the remaining catalyst from the product is difficult. In contrast, heterogeneous
catalysts offer simplified production and purification processes. However, their reaction rates
are low due to mass transfer restrictions. This work looked at the unsupported and supported
nano-MgO as solid catalyst for soybean oil transesterification reaction. More research is being
undertaken to overcome these low reaction rate problems. Nano-MgO was used since it has been
considered as a bridge between homogenous and heterogeneous catalysts. It was supported to
enable easy separation from the reaction products.