Development of Catalysts for High Temperature Biodiesel Production

Previous work (see PIG Alumni, Rattanaphra) has identified the efficacy of sulphated zirconia as a high temperature catalyst for the production of biodiesel. We would like to take this work further, to follow up on a number of interesting observations, based on selectivity and catalyst formulation. Unfortunately these are currently confidential - but the details will be released when you start work here!

This project will involve studying the preparation and characterisation of sulphated zirconia and a number of other acid catalysts, and relating this to the conversion and selectivities observed when catalysing the biodiesel reaction at temperatures up to 300°C.

For more details, please contact Prof Adam Harvey.