Heterogeneous enzymatic catalysts: Comparing their efficiency in the production of biodiesel from alternative oils

FERRERO, GABRIEL ORLANDO; EDGAR M. SANCHEZ FABA; EIMER, GRISELDA ALEJANDRA

Congreso; The 2nd International Electronic Conference on Catalysis Sciences?A Celebration of Catalysts 10th Anniversary; 2021

In this study, four heterogeneous enzymatic catalysts were synthesized: three from the immobilization of Pseudomonas fluorescens lipase (LPf) on SBA-15, Ca/SBA-15, and Na / SBA-15, and one using the one-step coprecipitation technique, called LOBE (Low Ordered Biosilicificated Enzyme). The physicochemical properties of these materials were determined by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP), and N2 adsorption measurements. The biocatalysts activity was evaluated in the production of biodiesel with different oily raw materials. From these results, it was possible to infer that besides enzyme-metal-support synergistic effect (LPf / Ca / SBA-15 or LPf / Na / SBA-15), confinement effects that influences on the substrates diffusion or mass tranfer depending the pore architecture is determining on the catalytic efficiency. While the SBA-15 material presents one-dimensional channels, the LOBE biocatalyst has interconnected three-dimensional channels that favor the mixing of reactant phases (oil-alcohol) and interaction with active sites inside porous structure (as a nanoreactor). This characteristic would increase the specific activity of the LOBE biocatalyst approximately five times with respect to the other studied biocatalysts.