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2008 Project Descriptions
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EPA Grant Number: SU833513
Title: Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Solid Acid Catalyst for Improved Use of Waste Oil Feedstock for Biodiesel Production
Radford University students will create a novel carbon catalyst to help improve the efficiency of biodiesel made from waste oil. Converting waste oil to biodiesel is a difficult and expensive project because the high concentration of free fatty acids reacts with lye (a compound added for the process) and creates soap, which must be removed. The carbon catalyst will inexpensively and non-toxically remove the fatty acids, thus making the use of waste vegetable oil a more affordable option.