Researchers at Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU) have introduced a new and cost-effective way to purify biodiesel, an environmentally friendly fuel made from plants like soybeans and rapeseed or animal fats. This method uses a special type of solvent called a deep eutectic solvent, offering a cheaper alternative to existing techniques.
Biodiesel production creates a mixture that contains glycerol, which needs to be removed to prevent engine damage. The fuel must also be purified to meet international quality standards. Current purification methods include electrolysis, crystallization, and filtration, all of which can be expensive.
The SPbU team prepared deep eutectic solvents based on choline chloride as a crystalline powder mixed with urea, widely used in fertilizers. The obtained solvents are nontoxic, nonflammable, and biodegradable. The same solvents can be used a number of times, so the researchers see much promise for using these solvents in agriculture and energy sectors.
This solvent is not only safer and environmentally friendly but also versatile and reusable, so it can be applied in different spheres,” explained Maria Toikka, chemical sciences expert at SPbU.
The researchers combined and heated the ingredients to get a solution that keeps its purity level even after several cycles of application. The solvent created by scientists can remove glycerol from biodiesel; this way, the fuel produced will meet all the quality standards.
The researchers believe that this method, if commercialized, could greatly reduce the cost of biodiesel production, thereby making the green fuel more accessible and affordable.
