Produção de biodiesel por catálise enzimática utilizando óleo de babaçu e determinação de algumas características

Abstract

The modern world consumes energy intensely, a significant part of which comes from fossil fuels, leading to various negative impacts on the ecosystem. In contrast, as a means of mitigating these impacts, biodiesel can be obtained through chemical and enzymatic routes. While the chemical route is also more sustainable, it has drawbacks such as products with lower purity and the inability to reuse the catalyst. On the other hand, the enzymatic route serves as a solution, as the reaction allows for easy separation of the enzyme, high selectivity, a carbon-neutral cycle, and advantages for consumers regarding the lifespan of their equipment. Concerning production, the enzyme Novozym [trade mark] 435 was used to catalyze babassu oil into biodiesel. For oil determination, analyses of acidity, iodine, kreiss, and peroxide index were conducted. The results did not align with the considered standards, most likely due to the quality of the raw material and the enzyme reaction time.