Nanospheres are here to revolutionize the way of producing biodiesel. A new, high-tech catalyst, the researchers are after, is only 250 billionths of a meter in diameter, but can produce biodiesel in large amount.
The Iowa State scientists, who developed the technology, are now working with the West Central Cooperative in Ralston to test their findings on a larger scale. The new technology will not only create an easier and more efficient process for making biodiesel, but also more economical and effective too.
They will be using used restaurant oils and animal fats to make biodiesel. These materials are much cheaper than soy oil, but at the same time contain free fatty acids that can’t be converted to biodiesel by current production methods.
The nanotechnology developed, accurately controls the production of tiny, uniformly shaped silica particles. The technology can convert the raw materials to biodiesel much faster.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture supported the three-year $1.8 million grant project. And the U.S. Department of Energy provided it a $120,000 grant. A $140,000 grant is achieved from the Grow Iowa Values Fund.
Via: Science Daily
