This project focuses on improving biofuel production from algae. Algal phospholipid L-α-phosphatidylcholine was converted to fatty acid methyl ester biodiesel over a heterogeneous metal oxide catalyst. A range of hydrocarbon solvents were tested in the synthesis to reduce the presence of phosphorus in the biodiesel layer. GC/MS, NMR, and IR were used for identification and quantification of phosphorus containing compounds in the biodiesel samples. Additionally, samples were digested then analyzed by ICP-OES for quantitative determination of phosphorus concentration. From this analysis, it was determined that the majority of the phosphorus containing compounds remain within the unreacted methanol, limiting the amount of phosphorus in the biodiesel.

Characterization and quantification of phosphorus containing compounds in algae biofuel

255th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.