Synthesis of biodiesel from acidified soybean soapstock using a lignin-derived carbonaceous catalyst

Biodiesel was produced from acidified soybean soapstocks by using lignin-derived carbonaceous catalyst (LCC). LCC was a solid acidic catalyst prepared by direct sulfonation of residual lignin from Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge hulls. The textural properties of the catalyst were characterized by 13C MAS NMR, X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, elemental analysis and BET surface area measurement. When 7 wt.% of LCC was used in the esterification, the maximum free fatty acids (FFAs) conversion (above 97%) could be achieved at a molar ratio of methanol/oil of 1:9 and a reaction temperature of 70 °C for 5 h. A comparison of catalytic activity between sulfuric acid and LCC revealed that LCC performed 3.5 times higher activity than sulfuric acid with the equivalent active group (SO3H). Additionally, LCC could be reused at least three times with high FFAs conversion (>80%).

Graphical abstractLignin derived catalyst has hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, such as hydroxyl group and polycyclic aromatic carbon. Therefore, methanol and oleic acid are easily absorbed on the surface of solid acid catalysts, which is benefit to the contact between reactants and active sites. The active sites of SO3H groups play the role of Bronsted acid as proton donor in the reaction.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Lignin-derived carbonaceous catalyst was firstly synthesized for biodiesel synthesis. ► Active sites are linked to amorphous structure by the form of COSO3H. ► Acidified soybean soapstock (ASS) was used as oil material for biodiesel synthesis. ► A maximum biodiesel yield of 97.2% was achieved in esterification of ASS. ► The catalytic efficiency of solid acid was similar to that of 1.5 wt.% of H2SO4.