Using IR spectroscopy to determine biodiesel conversion

Journal Article · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 2012 · Journal of Undergraduate Chemistry Research

OSTI ID:1250433

Tirla, Cornelia ^[1]; Dooling, Thomas ^[2]; Smith, Rachel B. ^[2]; Harrelson, Shanna ^[2]; Hunt, Donella ^[2]; McKee, Christopher ^[2]

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1. Univ. of North Carolina at Pembroke, Pembroke, NC (United States); University of North Carolina at Pembroke
2. Univ. of North Carolina at Pembroke, Pembroke, NC (United States)

This project’s aim was to develop a way to use Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy to determine the extent of the conversion of oil to biodiesel produced during a typical transesterification process. The most reliable method of biodiesel analysis is gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) analysis. This analysis is not ideal for the educational or field applications since it is time intensive and requires expensive, specialized equipment. The use of the FT-IR is faster and more affordable. A calibration curve was created by comparing data on the purity of biodiesel samples obtained from the GC-FID analysis to the ratio of the absorbances at 1197 cm^-1 to 1166 cm^-1 from the FT-IR spectrum. For field application, a similar method was developed using a portable IR spectrometer, the InfraSpecTM VFA-IR spectrometer. As a result, the data collected gave a good linear fit for % purity of the samples and can be used as a method for monitoring the conversion of different types of oils to biodiesel and determining the purity of biodiesel produced from oil.

• Research Organization: Univ. of North Carolina at Pembroke, Pembroke, NC (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
• Grant/Contract Number: EE0003128
• OSTI ID: 1250433
• Journal Information: Journal of Undergraduate Chemistry Research, Journal Name: Journal of Undergraduate Chemistry Research Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 12; ISSN 1541-6003
• Publisher: Virginia Military InstituteCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English