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

FERRERO, GABRIEL ORLANDO; EDGAR SANCHEZ-FABA; VASCHETTO, ELIANA GABRIELA; VIALE, FABRIZIO EMILIANO; EIMER, GRISELDA ALEJANDRA; CARRILLO, GERMÁN

DF

Congreso; VIII CONGRESO INTERNACIONAL Y XVII CONGRESO MEXICANO DE CATÁLISIS; 2022

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) and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The biocatalysts activity was evaluated in the production of biodiesel with different oily raw materials. It was possible to infer from these results that besides enzyme-metal-support synergistic effect (LPf/Ca/SBA-15 or LPf/Na/SBA-15), confinement effects influence the substrates diffusion or mass transfer depending on the pore, channel, or cavity architecture, determining the catalytic efficiency. While the SBA-15 material presents one-dimensional channels, the LOBE biocatalyst has interconnected three-dimensional cavities that favor the mixing of reactant phases (oil-alcohol) and interaction with active sites. This characteristic would increase the specific activity of the LOBE biocatalyst approximately five times concerning the other studied biocatalysts, depending on the raw material used.