In-Situ Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid -Catalyzed Transesterification of Micro Algae Chlorella Sp. for Biodiesel Production

Reducing the cost for kg of biodiesel produced from micro-algae species is an important issue and In situ transesterification process can be the key for the reduction of the overall cost. The yield of biodiesel from microalgae biomass was compared using consecutive steps (extraction-transesterification) and In situ transesterification processes. Chlorella sp. microalgae were investigated as a biomass for biodiesel production. The Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid activity as a catalyst was tested for the two processes. DBSA catalyst accelerated the transesterification reaction, catalyzed the esterification reaction, reduced the formation of soap and had a hydrophobic structure. DBSA was verified to be a highly efficient catalyst for the Chlorella sp transesterification process. Methyl and ethyl alcohols were used in the processes. The parameters affecting on biodiesel yield and acid value for the In situ transesterification were optimized. The yield of biodiesel for the In situ transesterification process was higher than the yield for the two-step process (extraction-transesterification). The optimal conditions for the in situ transesterification process were found to be (alcohol to biomass ratio (v/w): 15, temperature: 338.15 K for methanol and 348.15 K for ethanol, catalyst ratio: 25%, reaction time: 4 h, mixing rate: 600 RPM).