Lipase supported on mesoporous materials as a catalyst in the synthesis of biodiesel from Persea americana mill oil

Fatty acid esters (biodiesel) were produced from the enzymatic transesterification of Persea americana mill oil (in South America known as Aguacate) with methanol, ethanol, propanol, 2,2-dimethyl-1-propanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, and 3-methyl-1-butanol were studied. Candida antarctica B lipase was immobilised on mesoporous foam synthesised using nonylphenol ethoxylated with n = 4 (FC-4), and the enzyme was supported on foam carbon with ethoxylated nonylphenol n = 6 (FC-6) for obtaining the biocatalyst. In the conversion of Persea americana mill oil to alkyl esters using (FC-6) as a support, 3-methyl-1-butanol gave the highest conversion of 100%, 2-methyl-1-butanol 92%, 2,2-dimethyl-1-propanol 81%, propanol 70% and ethanol 60%, and 48% methyl ester was observed with methanol. With FC-4 used to support the enzyme, 3-methyl-1-butanol gave the highest conversion of 70%, 2-methyl-1-butanol 65%, 2,2-dimethyl-1-propanol 58%, propanol 50% and ethanol 45%, and 37% methyl ester was observed with methanol.

Graphical abstractNitrogen adsorption isotherms measured at 77 K for the FC-4 and FC-6 and pore size distribution for the materials.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Fatty acid esters (biodiesel) were produced from the enzymatic transesterification of Persea americana mill. ► Candida antarctica B lipase was immobilised on mesoporous foam synthesised using nonylphenol. ► In the conversion of Persea americana mill oil to alkyl esters using (FC-6) as a support, 3-methyl-1-butanol gave the highest conversion of 100%.