Iranian Scientists Synthesize Biodiesel Using Nanocatalysts

Iranian researchers from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad succeeded in producing biodiesel fuel from soya oil. They have also proposed a new method for the production of biodiesel by presenting a solid non-homogenous nanocatalyst.

In their study, which was published in Ultrasonics Sonochemistry,  a simple, cost-effective and fast method was proposed for the synthesis of biodiesel through ultrasonic waves by using potassium fluoride–gamma alumina (KF/ γ-Al2O3) nanocatalyst. The fuel was made from soya oil and has the right characteristics to be used as a fuel.

The new nanocatalyst has several advantages which include the ease of separation from the product and the possibility of its recycling and re-use.