Scientists of St. Petersburg‑St. Petersburg University has developed a method for purifying biodiesel from glycerol using deep eutectic solvents based on choline chloride and urea. Experiments have shown that the created method is more effective than the currently existing ones.
Biodiesel is an environmentally friendly type of fuel obtained from plants (for example, rapeseed, soybeans) or animal fats by chemical reactions. It is used in engines of cars, tractors and special equipment, as well as in agriculture.
During the production of this fuel, glycerin is formed in the mixture, which must be removed, as it can cause engine blockage and accumulate around the nozzle valve heads. In addition, biodiesel purification is necessary to ensure that its qualities meet all international standards for fuel production and use and extend engine life.
Currently, the main methods of cleaning eco—friendly fuels are electrolysis, crystallization and filtration columns. During electrolysis, ions from the treated liquid are transferred through ion-exchange membranes under the action of an external electric field. Crystallization makes it possible to isolate glycerol using a solvent. In the case of filtration, the main fuel is separated from the water and particles formed during the soap production process using a special filter.
All these methods require a lot of resources, so scientists in St. Petersburg‑St. Petersburg University has created a new, more efficient and cost-effective purification method using environmentally friendly deep eutectic solvents based on choline chloride and glycerol, as well as based on choline chloride and urea.
These substances are characterized by low toxicity, nonflammability, low volatility, and rapid biodegradability. In addition, they can be easily reused, which makes them highly sought-after in various industrial sectors, from agriculture to energy.
Associate Professor of the Department of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics of St. Petersburg State University Maria Toikka
According to the author of the development, deep eutectic solvents are now considered as a new type of environmentally friendly solvents. They are a promising alternative to volatile organic compounds and ionic liquids to optimize extraction and separation processes. The production process of such solvents is simple and cost-effective. It involves mixing and heating the components, while in most cases no additional purification of substances is required, and the purity of the final product depends solely on the quality of the starting materials and does not deteriorate during production.
At the same time, St. Petersburg State University scientists Alexander Smirnov, Peter Kuzmenko, Artemy Samarov and Maria Toikka have created a purification scheme that shows that solvents can become effective and safe means for the production of biodiesel.
The research results will help create technologies that reduce the harmful effects of chemicals on nature and reduce energy consumption in general.
Chemists at the University have determined how efficiently glycerol is extracted from biodiesel samples containing different types of fatty acid methyl esters. The results of the study showed greater efficiency compared to the methods currently used.
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