Researchers pioneer one-reaction biodiesel process

In Rhode Island, researchers at Brown University have developed a process to produce biodiesel from WVO in a single reaction, by switching to bismuth triflate and scandium triflate catalysts and utilizing a microwave reactor.

Traditionally, sulfuric aicid is used as a catalyst for free fatty acids while potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide are used as catalysts for triacylglycerols, and have been processed separately to prevent formation of soaps. According to the research team, their process is sic times faster and uses less energy.

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