Sustainable Diesel from Rapeseed Oil Esters by Sequential Semi-Hydrogenation, Double Bond Isomerization, and...

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Sustainable Chemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Modern diesel engines require biofuels meeting stringent EN 590 specifications.
• Rapeseed oil methyl esters (RME) are a potential feedstock for biodiesel production.
• Existing RME conversion processes may face challenges in achieving desired fuel properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust, three-step process for converting RME into high-quality biofuel.
• To achieve biofuel properties that satisfy EN 590 standards for diesel engines.
• To utilize industrially viable reaction steps and catalysts for efficient RME conversion.

Main Methods:

• Semi-hydrogenation of polyunsaturated RME esters using a Pd ⁰ colloid catalyst.
• Isomerization of mono-unsaturated fatty esters over Amberlyst 15 resin.
• Cross-metathesis of the resulting mixture with ethylene using a Ru-CAAC catalyst (M1001).

Main Results:

• The three-step process successfully converted RME into biofuel meeting EN 590 specifications.
• High conversions (91%) and selectivities (94%) were achieved in the cross-metathesis step using the Ru catalyst.
• All reactions were performed with neat feedstock at mild temperatures (60-100 °C).

Conclusions:

• A sustainable diesel fuel can be produced from RME and ethylene.
• The developed process is efficient, scalable, and suitable for industrial application.
• This method offers a viable route to advanced biofuels for contemporary diesel engines.