Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Commercialization of Solid Acid and Base Catalysts Derived from Biochar Optimized to Produce Biodiesel from Low Cost Oils
EPA Contract Number: EPD10065Title: Commercialization of Solid Acid and Base Catalysts Derived from Biochar Optimized to Produce Biodiesel from Low Cost Oils
Investigators: Keith, Lawrence H
Small Business: Down to Earth Energy (formerly Mountain Creek Enterprises)
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2012
Project Amount: $225,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (2010) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Emission Reductions and Biofuels , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Conclusions:
Our conclusions are that it is technically feasible to produce an immobilized acid catalyst from sustainable sources (specifically Norit C Gran activated carbon) that will enable a lower cost feedstock such as yellow grease (with high levels of free fatty acids) to be used for making biodiesel. There are hundreds of other commercial acid catalyzed reactions with which an acid catalyst such as this could be used. However, it was not technically feasible to produce an immobilized base catalyst from similar materials that could be used to make biodiesel by transesterification with methanol and that could be repeatedly reused in this process.
Supplemental Keywords:
solid acid, base catalyst, biochar, biodiesel, low-cost oil, pyrolyzed carbon, sustainable biomass, methyl ester, transesterificationSBIR Phase I:
Feasibility Study to Produce Biodiesel from Low Cost Oils and New Catalysts Derived from Agricultural & Forestry Residues | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.