Lipase and photodecarboxylase coexpression: A potential strategy for alkane-based biodiesel production from natural triglycerides

Alkane-based biodiesel is considered the next generation of biodiesel owing to its potential environmental benefits and the fact that it exhibits much higher specific caloric values than traditional biodiesel.However,the formidable obstacle impeding the commercialization of this cutting-edge fuel alternative lies in the cost associated with its production.In this study,an engineered strain Escherichia coli(E.coli)showcasing harmonized coexpression of a lipase(from Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase,TLL)and a fatty acid photodecarboxylase(from Chlorella variabilis,CvFAP)was first constructed to transform triglycerides into alkanes.The potential of E.coli BL21(DE3)/pRSFDuet-1-TLL-CvFAP for alkane synthesis was evaluated with tripalmitin as a model substrate under various process conditions.Following a comprehensive examination of the reaction parameters,the scope of the biotransformation was expanded to‘real’substrates(vegetable oils).The results showed that bioderived oils can be transformed into alkanes with high yields(0.80-10.20 mmol·L^(-1))under mild conditions(35℃,pH 8.0,and 36 h)and blue light illumination.The selected processes were performed on an increased lab scale(up to 100 ml)with up to 24.77 mmol·L^(-1) tripalmitin,leading to a yield of 18.89 mmol·L^(-1) pentadecane.With the employment of a method for efficiently producing alkanes under mild conditions and a simple procedure to isolate alkanes from the reaction system,the utilization of sustainable biomass as a fundamental feedstock emerges as the primary solution to lower the cost of alkane-based biodiesel.Thus,this study proposes a readily implementable and highly effective approach for alkane-based biodiesel production.

Performance and Emission Characteristics of a CRDI Diesel Engine Fuelled by SiO_(2) Nanoparticle-Waste Fat Biodiesel Blends

This study investigates the use of waste fat biodiesel(WFB)from the leather industry as a substitute for diesel fuel.Specifically,it examines the diesel engine performance of WFB,a blend of WFB and diesel(B50),and different blends of WFB and silicon dioxide(SiO_(2))nanoparticles(B50SiO_(2)40,B50SiO_(2)80,and B50SiO_(2)120μg/g).The results indicate that the B50SiO_(2)120 blend increases brake thermal efficiency by 10.03%compared to pure biodiesel but falls 1.93%short of neat diesel.Furthermore,the B50SiO_(2)120 mixture reduces smoke,hydrocarbon,and carbon monoxide emissions by 31.87%,34.14%,and 43.97%respectively,compared to diesel.However,the B50SiO_(2)120 blend shows a 4.91%increase in nitrogen oxide emissions compared to diesel.

The Effect of Reaction Temperature, Catalyst Concentration and Alcohol Ratio in the Production of Biodiesel from Raw and Purified Castor Oil

In this study, a homogeneous alkaline catalyst was used in the production of biodiesel from raw and refined castor oil feedstock. The effect of potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst between the two feedstocks, raw and refined castor oil was compared. The transesterification technique was utilized in this study, aiming to investigate the effect of different parameters, which include the reaction temperature, methanol-to-oil mole ratio, and catalyst concentration at a constant period of 90 minutes. The result revealed the performance of the KOH catalyst on raw castor oil yielded 98.49% FAME, which was higher than the refined castor oil which yielded 97.9% FAME. The optimal conditions obtained from refined castor oil were applied to raw castor oil because of the same properties. The fuel quality of castor oil and produced biodiesel were tested for physicochemical properties.

Biodiesel from Palm Vegetable Oil

Energy obtained from a variety of non-renewable sources is considered unsustainable. Various fossil fuels, such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas, are among these sources. The combustion of fossil fuels resulted in the generation of greenhouse gases, which increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Global warming and ozone layer degradation are the negative consequences. In a country like India, where consumable oils are still imported, it is sense to look at the possibility of using such unpalatable oils in CI engines that aren’t often utilized as cooking oil. Palm oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the monocarp of the oil palm’s crop. The main goal is to provide a low-cost, high-performance alternative to diesel. The possibility of palm oil as a realistic, modest, and effective hotspot for the generation of biodiesel is investigated in this research. The article is focused on the comparison of palm oil and diesel in terms of characteristics.

The Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Physico-Chemical Properties of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Derived Biodiesel

Global concerns about the environmental impact of combustion emissions from petroleum fuels influence new research to seek for alternative energy sources. The current study investigates the possibility of using safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) as an alternative biodiesel raw material. Four plant growth regulators (PGR) were used to boost the production of safflower. Thirteen treatments were constituted from the four plant regulators and applied to the safflower crop arranged in completely randomised design, repeated three times. The results show that the effect of plant growth regulators was not more than that of the control. More studies have to be channelled towards the relationship between safflower and plant growth regulators.

Biodiesel production and its development strategy

Biodiesel, an environmentally friendly biofuel with similar flow and combustion properties as petroleum-based diesel and low emission profile, which is commonly prepared from triglyceride （TG） sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste greases, holds good promises as an alternative to diesel fuel. Alternate fuels for diesel engines have become increasingly important due to diminishing petroleum reserves and awareness of the increased environmental consequences of emissions from petroleum-fuelled engines, as the world is confronted with an energy crisis. Currently, the production of methyl or ethyl esters from edible oils is much more expensive than that of diesel fuels due to the relatively high costs of vegetable oils （about four times the cost of diesel in China）. Methyl esters produced from such oils can be expected to compete economically with diesel fuels, and there is a need to explore low cost alternate feedstocks for the production of biodiesel. Rapeseed is little sensitive to crop input levels, allowing reduction of tillage, irrigation, and weed control. Significant yield increases will be attained using new hybrids and better crop management. Rapeseed cultures in seasonal set-aside lands such as Dongting Lake surroundings can significantly decreases the amount of subsides spent for agricultural overproduction in China, which leads to an increase in farmer incomes as well as the creation of new employment. This significantly lowers production costs, reduces environmental impact, and increases final energy gains. Our rapeseed oil is good source for biodiesel with respect to high oil content and proper fatty acid composition.

Production of biodiesel from unused algal biomass in Punjab, India

Biodiesel from inedible sources has become prominent in last few decades. But it is economically incompatible with petroleum diesel. At the same time, both petro-diesel and biodiesels are concerned with environmental pollution, global warming, etc. Algae, on the other hand, utilize CO2 for their growth and can minimize some sort of pollution level and results in carbon credit for a country. In Punjab, India, algae are seen to grow in many water bodies. But all those are taken away and dumped in vats. Some of this huge biomass was used for production of biodiesel in this work. Extraction of oil from algae was conducted by using Soxtherm（solvent extraction）. An amount of 9 wt% of algal oil was extracted by comparatively costly hexane, whereas 8% extraction was done by cheaper acetone. In the transesterification reaction, molar ratio（methanol： oil） of 6：1, catalyst（KOH） concentration of 3 wt%, reaction temperature of 60 °C, 60 min reaction time and a settling time of 2.5 h were found to be optimum conditions to get maximum ester with minimum free fatty acid content and viscosity. A statistical analysis for the transesterification procedure also showed a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 6：1 and catalyst concentration of 3 wt% to be the optimum. Characterization of biodiesel was done and compared with ASTM/BIS standards. Most important properties of biodiesel ester like viscosity（3.12 c St or 3.12 mm2/s）, cloud and pour point（-1 and-6 °C, respectively）, flash and fire point（153 and 158 °C）, carbon residue content（0.03%）, acid number（0.36 mg of KOH/gm） were within the range of concerned standards.

Effect of Palm Oil Biodiesel Blends on Engine Emission and Performance Characteristics in an Internal Combustion Engine

Increasing global environmental issues and depleting fossil fuel reserves has necessitated the need for alternative and sustainable fuel. In this paper, the effects of biodiesel and its blend on engine emission and performance characteristics in an internal combustion engine were analyzed. Biodiesel derived from the transesterification of raw palm oil was blended with diesel fuel at different proportions designated as PO5 (5% Biodiesel and 95% Diesel), PO10 (10% Biodiesel and 90% Diesel), PO15 (15% Biodiesel and 85% Diesel), PO20 (20% Biodiesel and 80% Diesel), PO50 (50% Biodiesel and 50% Diesel), PO85 (85% Biodiesel and 15% Diesel), and PO100 (100% Biodiesel). A Lombardini 2-cylinder, four-stroke direct injection diesel engine with a compression ratio of 22.8 was developed using Ricardo Wave software in which diesel, palm oil biodiesel blends and pure biodiesel are used in the model, and the obtained results were analysed and presented. The simulation was done under varying engine speeds of 1200 rpm to 3200 rpm at full load condition. Biodiesel and its blends are more environment-friendly and non-toxic when compared to diesel fuel;it also improves the mechanical efficiency of the engines, and above all can also lead to a reduction in poverty among rural dwellers. The obtained results showed that brake specific fuel consumption and brake thermal efficiency increased with palm oil biodiesel blends as compared to diesel fuel which might be a result of biodiesel’s lower heating value, and the increase in thermal energy may be a result of the oxygenation of the biodiesel blend as compared to pure diesel. In terms of brake torque, palm oil biodiesel blends were lesser than diesel fuel. The CO, HC, and NOx emissions of palm oil biodiesel blends decreased significantly compared to that of pure diesel. From this study, palm oil biodiesel emits lesser emissions than diesel fuel and its performance characteristics are similar to diesel fuel. Therefore, palm oil biodiesel can be used without any modifications directly in a diesel engine. In addition, it can also be used as blends as an alternative and sustainable fuel, decreasing air pollution, and increasing environmental sustainability.

Optimizing electrocoagulation process for the treatment of biodiesel wastewater using response surface methodology

The production of biodiesel through a transesterification method produces a large amount of wastewater that contains high levels of chemical oxygen demand （COD） and oil and grease （O＆G）. Currently, flotation is the conventional primary treatment for O＆G removal prior to biological treatments. In this study, electrocoagulation （EC） was adopted to treat the biodiesel wastewater. The effects of initial pH, applied voltage, and reaction time on the EC process for the removal of COD, O＆G, and suspended solids （SS） were investigated using one factor at a time experiment. Furthermore, the Box-Behnken design, an experimental design for response surface methodology （RSM）, was used to create a set of 15 experimental runs needed for optimizing of the operating conditions. Quadratic regression models with estimated coefficients were developed to describe the pollutant removals. The experimental results show that EC could effectively reduce COD, O＆G, and SS by 55.43%, 98.42%, and 96.59%, respectively, at the optimum conditions of pH 6.06, applied voltage 18.2 V, and reaction time 23.5 min. The experimental observations were in reasonable agreement with the modeled values.

Evaluation of biodiesel from Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge seed kernel oil from 13 areas in China

Oil content from seed kernels of Xanthoceras sorbifolia from 13 areas in China was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to determine oil characteristics and biodiesel properties. The seeds had a high kernel percentage (53.67%± 7.51), oil content (52.21%± 4.01), and biodiesel yield (99.77%± 0.21). Among the fatty acids in the oil were high percentages of linoleic acid (41.66 ± 2.26)% and oleic acid (28.44%± 2.03). Most of the fuel properties complied well with the ASTM D6751-10, EN 14214-08, and GB/T 20828-2014 standards. The 13 sampling areas were grouped into four clusters based on different kernel percentage, oil content, biodiesel yield, and fatty acid composition. The results showed that the quality of kernel oils from seeds from Ar Horqin Banner was the best, although kernel oils from seeds in all 13 areas were suitable for biodiesel production. This study provides a basis for selecting optimal sites to harvest seeds from X. sorbifolia.

Application of Choline Chloride·xZnCl2 Ionic Liquids for Preparation of Biodiesel

The inexpensive and moisture-stable Lewis-acidic ionic liquids were prepared and applied for transesterification of soybean oil to biodiesel.The influences of molar ratio of methanol to soybean oil,reaction temperature and amount of ionic liquids were investigated.The transesterification of soybean oil to biodiesel catalyzed by choline chloride·xZnCl2 ionic liquids showed many advantages such as mild conditions and lower cost.On the other hand,the non-ideal yield and complicated separation between biodiesel and soybean oil were also investigated and analyzed.The improvement on the systems of choline chloride·xZnCl2 was proposed for further investigation.

Simulation of biodiesel industrial production via solid base catalyst in a fixed-bed reactor

Biodiesel industrial production based on a solid base catalyst in a fixed-bed was simulated. The lab and bench scale experiments were carded out effectively, in which the kinetic model is established and it can describe the transesterification reaction well. The Antoine equation of biodiesel is regressed with the vapor-liquid data cited of literature. The non-random two liquid （NRTL） model is applied to describe the system of fatty acid methyl ester （FAME）, methanol and glycerol and parameters are obtained. The Ternary phase map is obtained from Aspen Plus via the liquid-liquid equilibrium （LLE） data. In order to describe the production in a fixed-bed performs in industrial scale after being magnified 1 000 times, the Aspen Plus simulation is employed, where two flowsheets are simulated to predict material and energy consumption. The simulation results prove that at least 350. 42 kW energy consumption can be reduced per hour to produce per ton biodiesel compared with data reported in previous references.

Research on KOH/La-Ba-Al_2O_3 catalysts for biodiesel production via transesterification from microalgae oil

Alumina supports modified by lanthanum （La） and barium （Ba） were prepared by peptization. Catalysts with different KOH contents supported on modified alumina were prepared by impregnation method. Various techniques, including N2 adsorption-desorption （Brunauer-Emmet-Teller method, BET）, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, and fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy （FT-IR）. Catalytic activity for microalgae oil conversion to methyl ester via transesterification was evaluated and analyzed by GC-MS and GC. BET results showed that the support possessed high specific surface area, suitable pore volume and pore size distribution. Activity results indicated that the catalyst with 25 wt% KOH showed the best activity for microalgae oil conversion. XRD and SEM results revealed that Al-O-K compound was the active phase for microalgae oil conversion. The agglomeration and changing of pore structure should be the main reasons for the catalyst deactivation when KOH content was higher than 30 wt%.

Carbonaceous residues from biomass gasification as catalysts for biodiesel production

Tars and alkali ashes from biomass gasification processes currently constitute one of the major problems in biomass valorisation, generating clogging of filters and issues related with the purity of syngas production. To date, these waste residues find no useful applications and they are generally disposed upon generation in the gasification process. A detailed analysis of these residues pointed out the presence of high quantities of Ca （〉30 wt%）. TG experiments indicated that a treatment under air at moderate temperatures （400-800 ~C） decomposed the majority of carbon species, while XRD indicated the presence of a crystalline CaO phase. CaO enriched valorized materials turned out to be good heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production from vegetable oils, providing moderate to good activities （50%-70% after 12 h） to fatty acid methyl esters in the transesterification of sunflower oil with methanol.

Detailed investigation of optimized alkali catalyzed transesterification of Jatropha oil for biodiesel production

The non-edible oils are believed to be one of the major feedstock for the production of biodiesel in future.In the present study,we investigated the production of Jatropha oil methyl esters（JOMEs） via alkali-catalyzed transesterification route.The biophysical characteristics of Jatropha oil were found within the optimal range in accordance with ASTM standards as a substitute diesel fuel.The chemical composition and production yield of as-synthesized biodiesel were confirmed by various analytical techniques such as FT-IR,1H NMR,13 C NMR and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.A high percentage conversion,～96.09%,of fatty acids into esters was achieved under optimized transesterification conditions with 6 ：1 oil to methanol ratio and 0.9 wt% Na OH for 50 min at ～60°C.Moreover,twelve fatty acids methyl esters（FAME） were quantified in the GC/MS analysis and it was interesting to note that the mass fragmentation pattern of saturated,monounsaturated and diunsaturated FAME was comparable with the literature reported values.

Efficient production of biodiesel from both esterification and transesterification over supported SO^(2-)_4–MoO_3–ZrO_2–Nd_2O_3/SiO_2 catalysts

SO2-4–Mo O3–Zr O2–Nd2O3/Si O2（SMZN/Si O2） catalysts for the production of biodiesel via both esterification and transesterification were prepared and characterized by N2adsorption-desorption isotherms,X-ray diffraction（XRD）,scanning electron microscopy（SEM）,thermogravimetry analysis（TGA）,ammonia adsorption Fourier transform infrared spectra（NH3-FTIR）,and ammonia adsorption temperature programmed desorption（NH3-TPD） to reveal the dependence of the stable catalytic activity on calcination time. The reason for catalyst deactivation was also studied. The calcination time remarkably affected the types of active centers on SMZN/Si O2-2,and 4 h was found to be the optimal calcination time. SO4 species bonded with small size Zr O2 were found to be the stable active centers,where the leaching of SO2-4and the deposition of coke were inhibited. The deposition of coke was easier on large size Zr O2 than on small size ones. Calcination in air flow could eliminate the deposited coke to recover the deactivated catalysts.

Studies on Production of Biodiesel by Esterification of Fatty Acids by a Lipase Preparation from Candida sp. 99-125

A self-made lipase preparation from Candida sp. 99-125 was used for the production of biodiesel through enzymatic esterification of fatty acids. The crude lipase powder and fermentation broth were immobilized on a cheap fiber cloth carrier. The conditions of lipase-catalyzed esterification between long-chain fatty acids and methanol in a solvent system were investigated in detail, including the temperature, pH value, substrate concentration, solvent, absorbent agent, enzyme dosage and purity, immobilization method, the mode of addition of substrate. The results show that reaction temperature, pH of lipase micro-environment, substrate concentration, enzyme dosage and purity affect the esterification strongly. Several new methods and enzymatic procedures for improving the enzymatic reaction involving the process cost are also discussed, such as fossil diesel fuel as reaction solvent, immobilization method, multi-step gradient addition of methanol. The esterification degree of 92.8% was obtained with oleic acid and methanol under the optimal reaction condition after 12.5 h reaction time. The half-life of the immobilized lipase preparation from crude free lipase powder for esterification was 15 days.

Reaction Kinetics of Biodiesel Synthesis from Waste Oil Using a Carbon-based Solid Acid Catalyst

The kinetics of simultaneous transesterification and esterification with a carbon-based solid acid catalyst was studied.Two solid acid catalysts were prepared by the sulfonation of carbonized vegetable oil asphalt and petroleum asphalt.These catalysts were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis,acidity site concentration,the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller（BET）surface area and pore size.The kinetic parameters with the two catalysts were determined,and the reaction system can be described as a pseudo homogeneous catalyzed reaction.All the forward and reverse reactions follow second order kinetics.The calculated concentration values from the kinetic equations are in good agreement with experimental values.

Current scenario and potential of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil in Pakistan: An overview

Biodiesel utilization has been rapidly growing worldwide as the prime alternative to petrodiesel due to a global rise in diesel fuel demand along with hazardous emissions during its thermochemical conversion.Although,several debatable issues including feedstock availability and price,fuel and food competition,changes in land use and greenhouse gas emission have been raised by using edible as well as inedible feedstocks for the production of biodiesel.However,non-crop feedstocks could be a promising alternative.In this article,waste cooking oils have been recommended as a suitable option for biodiesel production bearing in mind the current national situation.The important factors such as the quantity of waste cooking oil produced,crude oil and vegetable oil import expenses,high-speed diesel imports,waste management issues and environmental hazards are considered.Moreover,process simulation and operating cost evaluation of an acid catalyzed biodiesel production unit are also conducted.The simulation results show that the production cost of waste cooking oil-based biodiesel is about 0.66 USD·L-1.We believe that the present overview would open new pathways and ideas for the development of biofuels from waste to energy approach in Pakistan.

Modified graphene‐based materials as effective catalysts for transesterification of rapeseed oil to biodiesel fuel

Production of biodiesel by the transesterification process using different modified graphene‐based materials as catalysts was studied.Solid acid graphene‐based samples were prepared by grafting sulfonic or phosphate groups on the surface of thermally reduced graphene oxide.The obtained materials were thoroughly characterized using scanning electron microscopy,X‐ray diffraction,thermogravimetric analysis,X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy,N2 adsorption‐desorption measurements,potentiometric titration,elemental analysis,and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.The prepared catalysts were tested in the transesterification of rapeseed oil with methanol at 130°C under pressure,and their activities were compared to the performance of a commercially available heterogeneous acidic catalyst,Amberlyst‐15.All modified samples were active in the transesterification process;however,significant differences were observed in the yield of biodiesel,depending on the method of catalyst preparation and strength of the acidic sites.The highest yield of fatty acid methyl esters of 70%was obtained for thermally reduced graphene oxide functionalized with 4‐benzenediazonium sulfonate after 6 h of processing,and this result was much higher than that obtained for the commercial catalyst Amberlyst‐15.The results of the reusability test were also promising.