Investigating Molecular Transformation Processes of Biodiesel Components During Long-Term Storage Via High-Resolution...

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Biodiesel is crucial for renewable energy transitions.
• Biodiesel degradation during storage causes molecular changes and potential engine damage.
• Understanding aging mechanisms is vital for biodiesel stability and application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular transformations of biodiesel during storage.
• To identify the primary aging pathways and products in biodiesel.
• To provide a foundation for developing biodiesel aging inhibition strategies.

Main Methods:

• Biodiesel samples were stored for up to 12 months.
• Ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) with electrospray ionization (ESI) was employed.
• Monitoring of molecular changes and identification of aging products.

Main Results:

• Significant incorporation of oxygen atoms into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) was observed, particularly in the initial storage phase.
• Dimerization of oxygenated FAMEs became a dominant aging pathway after the initial polyoxygenation phase.
• Two main aging mechanisms were identified: polyoxygenation and oligomerization.

Conclusions:

• Biodiesel aging is characterized by distinct polyoxygenation and oligomerization pathways.
• These identified pathways provide critical insights into the causes of biodiesel sedimentation.
• The findings lay the groundwork for developing effective strategies to inhibit biodiesel aging and prevent application issues.