Biojet Fuel: Production and Characterization using Catalytic cracking of natural oils

Abstract

This study aims to produce biofuel from castor oil via the catalytic cracking process using two catalysts. The first one is the activated carbon that collected from the date palm leaves and the second catalyst is SO42−/CuO-ZnO. In addition to investigates the properties of the obtained biofuel by varying the catalysts ratio and different conditions. Catalysts Characterization The prepared activated carbon and SO42−/CuO-ZnO were characterized using different spectroscopic and surface analysis to determine their chemical and morphological structures. Catalytic cracking of Castor oil Catalytic cracking procedures were performed as follows: 150 mL of castor oil was charged in 500 mL two necked flask and catalysts [activated carbon and SO42−/CuO-ZnO] were added individually at different ratios of 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.1 and 0.2% by weight relative to oil. The catalytic cracking reaction was completed, using activated carbon. The products were: 85% biofuel, 10% water, 3% solids, and the rest were vapors. Whilst, using SO42−/CuO-ZnO; the products were: 91% biofuel, 5% water, 2% solids, and the rest were vapors.