Open AccessPerformance of K2O/Nb2O5as a heterogeneous catalyst for biofuel production
Author(s) -
Firda Tirta Yani,
Husni Husin,
Djarot B. Darmadi,
Syaifullah Muhammad,
Muhammad Zaki,
M Adrinda,
Muhammad Thifal
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
iop conference series. materials science and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1757-899X
pISSN - 1757-8981
DOI - 10.1088/1757-899x/1098/2/022006
Subject(s) - catalysis , methanol , biodiesel , transesterification , biodiesel production , niobium , crystallinity , potassium , materials science , biofuel , yield (engineering) , chemical engineering , nuclear chemistry , chemistry , organic chemistry , waste management , metallurgy , composite material , engineering
The objective of this study was to investigate K 2 O/Nb 2 O 5 as a new potential heterogeneous catalyst for biofuel production. The catalyst was prepared through an impregnation method using K 2 CO 3 and Nb 2 O 5 . The K 2 O/Nb 2 O 5 was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). The catalyst was tested for biodiesel production. Transesterification was conducted using vegetable oil and methanol on the predetermined operating condition. The highest yield of biofuel was the reach of 98.5% at K 2 O loading of 50% on Nb 2 O 3 and the catalyst loaded of 4 wt.% to oil. In the increasing of potassium loading on Nb 2 O 3 shows increasing the activity of the catalysts. Potassium, as an active site, plays a vital role in the reaction of vegetable oil and methanol to produce biodiesel. It is a major component and enhance selectivity of the catalyst. Niobium was able to interact well with potassium, and it enhanced the crystallinity and stability of the catalyst. The characteristics of biodiesel, such as density and viscosity, are evaluated to confirm the purpose of catalyst function. The biodiesel characterization showed in the range with SNI standard.