Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of
ORCID IDs
Date of this Version
6-30-2004
Abstract
Enzyme Immobilization. Work will continue in the area of enzymatic transesterification reaction (biodiesel). Both methyl and ethyl esters will be used in this study. Unlike the chemical reaction where methanol has a clear advantage over ethanol, ethanol can be used as easily as methanol in the enzymatic reaction.
Sol/Gel Structure Modification. Work will concentrate on the effect of the vacuum procedure on pore size and distribution for the transesterification reaction. Additives such as glucose have been very effective in the hydrolysis reaction and will be explored further in the transesterification reaction.
Characterization. The developed material will be characterized for the pore size and distribution by electron microscopy and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) procedures. We also will use scanning electron microscopy and transition electron microscopy methods to investigate the distribution of the immobilized lipases within the supporting matrix.
Comments
FInal report to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Center For Environmental Research.