Transesterificação de óleo de soja usando catalisadores heterogêneo e homogêneo em reator micro-ondas

Abstract

In the face of various problems caused by the constant use of oil as a fuel, it has become necessary to seek sustainable alternatives in order to minimize the greenhouse effect and damage to nature. The production and use of biodiesel appears as a viable solution to replace petroleum-derived diesel. In order to optimize the biodiesel synthesis process, new technologies are being tested as is the case with microwave irradiation, a form of heating of the reaction has shown several advantages. Therefore, this project sought to investigate the transesterification process, which is the reaction route commonly used for the production of biodiesel. In experiments carried out during the project, a microwave reactor adapted for this reaction was used. Tests were also made using homogeneous catalysts (KOH) and heterogeneous (ZnAl2O4). The influence of both catalysts in the reaction and the yield was compared. In addition, different reaction times were assessed in order to investigate its effect on the transesterification reaction. The results showed that the type of catalyst and reaction time influence the final conversion.