Abstract

SOUSA, Rogério Adelino de  and  RIBEIRO, Caue. Study of an electrochemical method to sunflower oil to biodiesel conversion assessment. Quím. Nova [online]. 2012, vol.35, n.1, pp. 51-54. ISSN 0100-4042.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-40422012000100010.

The development of analytical procedures to evaluate transesterification process is still a challenge in biodiesel production. Then, this paper shows an electroanalytical methodology to transesterification process assessment, proposing the application of nanostructured TiO₂ electrodes. The results showed, for sunflower oil - methanol reaction catalyzed by KOH, a reduction peak in - 1050 mV and the gradual appearance of a second peak at - 1160 mV. This peak was observed as originated by the transesterification process and is probably related to intermediates. By measuring the intensity of this peak a kinetic profile was determined, showing that the conversion is almost finished in 2 h.

Keywords : biodiesel; electroanalytical measurement; nanostructured TiO₂.