Catalytic conversion of Jatropha Oil to biofuel over titania, zirconia, and ceria loaded amorphous alumino-silicate catalysts

摘要

The present paper outlines the catalytic thermolysis of Jatropha oil carried out in laboratory model fixed bed reactor varying temperature between 340 and 420 degrees C and at liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) 1.12, 1.87, and 2.25 h(-1). Three heterogeneous catalysts, comprising of Amorphous Alumino-Silicate (AAS) loaded separately with titania (TiO2), zirconia (ZrO2) and ceria (CeO2), were successfully synthesized and used in the reaction. The study reveals that the maximum distilled liquid biofuel yield of 71% by volume could be achieved through zirconia impregnated catalyst at 380 degrees C and 1.87 h(-1) LHSV. Reaction products mainly consist of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons along with the carbon dioxide, coke, and water. The liquid product is a crude mixture of various components and hence distilled out into four fractions over the temperature range of 60-200 degrees C. The physical properties like boiling point, specific gravity, viscosity, and calorific value of distilled biofuel fraction 1 resembles the properties of petrol whereas fractions 2 and 3 resemble diesel. Suitable blends of these fractions lead to cleaner biofuel. Life of catalyst could be enhanced by nitrogen purging practice at moderate temperature. Yield and quality of distilled biofuel product were improved by using hydroquinone as a polymerization inhibitor. (c) 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 749-757, 2017