UNPRECEDENTED · Unrevealing the mechanisms involved when producing biodiesel from waste oil using a combined experimental and theoretical methodology

Unrevealing the mechanisms involved when producing biodiesel from waste oil using a combined experimental and theoretical methodology

UNPRECEDENTED project is an initiative aimed at advancing sustainable biofuel production through innovative catalysis and computational modeling. The project addresses critical environmental and energy challenges, particularly those outlined in the EU Renewable Energy Directive. While electrification is a key strategy for light-duty transport, biodiesel remains a viable alternative for heavy transport, offering an immediate, renewable substitute for fossil diesel. However, current biodiesel production methods suffer from inefficiencies, high costs, and environmental drawbacks, high energy inputs, and waste generation. UNPRECEDENTED seeks to overcome these limitations by developing novel nano-scale metal oxide catalysts (CaO, MgO, K2O) from renewable waste sources and optimizing their performance through Density Functional Theory (DFT) modeling and experimental validation. The project three main objectives: 1. Developing advanced DFT models to unravel reaction mechanisms in biodiesel production, improving process efficiency and reducing trial-and-error experimentation. 2. Synthesizing and characterizing novel nano-based catalysts derived from waste materials like mussel shells, and enriched them with glycerol to enhance catalytic efficiency. 3. Combining experimental data with computational modeling to optimize catalytic performance, enabling higher biodiesel yields, improved selectivity, reduce reaction times, while ensuring catalyst activity. The project is structured into six work packages, covering catalyst development, experimental validation, computational modeling, training, communication, and dissemination. By integrating experimental techniques (XRD, FTIR, SEM, Soxhlet extraction) with DFT simulations, UNPRECEDENTED creates a comprehensive research framework that bridges fundamental science with real-world applications. The project directly supports global efforts toward sustainable energy by addressing critical bottlenecks in biodiesel production, promoting a circular economy. The expected impact is multifaceted: • Scientific Impact: The project advances catalytic science and reaction engineering by systematically integrating computational and experimental approaches. • Economic & Technological Impact: The development of cost-effective, high-performance catalysts from biowaste materials provides a scalable and commercially viable alternative to conventional biodiesel production. This can lower production costs, reduce energy consumption, and increase process efficiency. • Environmental & Societal Impact: The use of waste-derived catalysts and non-edible oils minimizes land use conflicts, prevents waste disposal issues, and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The project aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs: Goal 7, 9, 12, and 13). • Policy & Industry Relevance: By developing scalable, environmentally friendly biodiesel production pathways, the project informs EU energy policy, supports green industrial innovation, and strengthens collaborations between academia and industry. The project's focus on waste valorization and sustainable energy aligns with circular economy principles, influencing policy-making and public awareness regarding renewable energy solutions. Additionally, through training programs, workshops, and dissemination efforts, the project fosters knowledge exchange, enhances researcher mobility, and builds capacity in renewable energy sectors across Europe and globally.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз