PolyU researchers develop new class of solid catalysts for biodiesel production

In China, PolyU researchers have thus adopted precise surface chemistry engineering to develop a new class of solid catalyst for use in biodiesel production.

This new catalyst for green biodiesel can be synthesized in one step from low-grade unrefined feedstock such as waste cooking oil, with no aqueous treatment steps required. Ethanol or propanol extracted from plants can also be used to replace methanol in the synthesis to avoid the usual intense reliance on petroleum. With high catalytic activity, the catalyst can operate at significantly lower temperatures and pressures than existing solid biodiesel catalysts, and be reused more than 30 times.