The Transesterification of Palm Oil Using KOH Supported on Bentonite in a Continuous Reactor

Abstract

In this study, KOH/bentonite catalysts, prepared by the impregnation method, were studied for transesterification in a continuous reactor. The catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, CO₂ temperature programmed desorption, and X-ray fluorescence. The results showed that the addition of 20 wt% K on the bentonite catalyst at 60°C reaction temperature, methanol/oil molar ratio of 15:1, and flow rate of 0.3 ml/min gave a biodiesel content exceeding 75%. With increasing basicity, the presence of K₂O was observed, and the biodiesel content was improved. In addition, there was negligible loss in activity when the catalyst was operated at 60°C for 7 days. A minimum level of potassium leaching on the 20 wt% K/bentonite was observed during the run.

Keywords:

• Transesterification
• Continuous reactor
• Bentonite
• Potassium hydroxide

Acknowledgments

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