Continuous enzymatic production of biodiesel from virgin and waste sunflower oil in supercritical carbon dioxide

A continuous process for biodiesel production in supercritical carbon dioxide was implemented. In the transesterification of virgin sunflower oil with methanol, Lipozyme TL IM led to fatty acid methyl esters yields (FAME) that exceeded 98% at 20 MPa and 40 °C, for a residence time of 20 s and an oil to methanol molar ratio of 1:24. Even for moderate reaction conversions, a fractionation stage based on two separators afforded FAME with >96% purity. Lipozyme TL IM was less efficient with waste cooking sunflower oil. In this case, a combination of Lipozyme TL IM and Novozym 435 afforded FAME yields nearing 99%.     

Synthesis of PCL/clay masterbatches in supercritical carbon dioxide

Pre-exfoliated nanoclays were prepared through a masterbatch process using supercritical carbon dioxide as solvent and poly(?-caprolactone) as organic matrix. In situ polymerization of ?-caprolactone in the presence of large amount of clay was conducted to obtain these easily dispersible nanoclays, collected as a dry and fine powder after reaction. Dispersion of these pre-exfoliated nanoclays in chlorinated polyethylene was also investigated. All the results confirm the specific advantages of supercritical CO₂ towards conventional solvents for filler modification.     

Influence of pretreatments for extraction of lipids from yeast by using supercritical carbon dioxide and ethanol as cosolvent

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the most studied and industrially exploited yeast. It is a non-oleaginous yeast whose lipids are mainly phospholipids. In this work, the extraction of yeast lipids by supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO₂) and ethanol as a co-solvent was studied. In particular our attention was focused on the selectivity toward triglycerides, and in a subsequent extraction of the phospholipids present in the yeast. Indeed CO₂ is a non-polar solvent and is not an efficient solvent for the extraction of phospholipids. However, SCCO₂ can be used to extract neutral lipids, as triglycerides, and the addition of polar co-solvents like ethanol, at different compositions, allows a more efficient extraction of triglycerides, and also an extraction-fractionation of phospholipids. In this work SCCO₂ extractions of a specific membrane complex of S. cerevisiae, obtained from an industrial provider, were carried out at 20 MPa and 40 °C, using ethanol as a co-solvent (9%, w/w). It was shown that different pretreatments are necessary to obtain good extraction yields and have a great impact on the extraction. The kinetic of the extractions were successfully modeled using Sovova's model. From the fitting of the main parameters of the model it was possible to compare the effects of the pretreatments over the yeast material, and to better understand the extraction process. Among the seven tested pretreatments the more appropriate was found to be an acid hydrolysis followed by a methanol maceration.     

Extraction of metal ions with non-fluorous bipyridine derivatives as chelating ligands in supercritical carbon dioxide

Three new non-fluorous bipyridine derivatives, bis(2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl)-2,2′-bipyridine-4,4′-dicarboxylate (ligand 1), bis(2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl)-2,2′-bipyridine-4,4′-dicarboxylate (ligand 2), and bis(2-butoxyethyl)-2,2′-bipyridine-4,4′-dicarboxylate (ligand 3), were synthesized as chelating ligands to remove metal ions from solid matrix into supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂). These produced compounds 1-3 showed considerable solubilities in scCO₂ (8.0 g/l, 4.8 g/l, 7.8 g/l for ligands 1-3 at 313 K, respectively) and the tested solubility data were then calculated and correlated with semiempirical model at different pressures and temperatures, which showed satisfactory agreement with each other and the average absolute relative deviation were in the range of 0.1-28.3%. The effects of pressure, temperature, time, and ligand to metal ratio (5:1 to 75:1) on the extraction efficiency of metal ions were also systematically investigated. The extraction efficiency was 100% for Ni²⁺ and 95.9% for Cu²⁺ in scCO₂ with the system of ligand 1, ultrapure water, and perfluoro-1-octanesulfonic acid tetraethylammonium salt (PFOAT) under the optimized conditions (25 MPa, 313 K, 90 min, and ligand to metal ratio of 10). Although all ligands exhibited good efficiency for Ni²⁺ (>85%) and Cu²⁺ (>70%) extraction, the extraction of mixed metal ions indicated that the bipyridine derivatives had low selectivity. Finally, the detailed calculation results exhibited that the extraction constants (K_ex) of the metal ions increased with the increase of the extraction efficiency in the same extraction system for each same metal ion.     

Analysis on the dyeing of polypropylene fibers in supercritical carbon dioxide

Polypropylene fibers were dyed in supercritical carbon dioxide system and the results were compared with those of fiber dyed in water system. Dye uptake value calculated by a UV spectrum indicated that polypropylene fiber dyeing was much better in carbon dioxide than in water. Optical microscopical analysis showed that dye molecules had diffused thoroughly into fiber in CO₂ because of the excellent compatibility between the dye and the CO₂. X-ray and birefrigence analysis demonstrated that plastification caused by the implementation of CO₂ made molecular chain more mobile and led to an increase in the dyeing of polypropylene fibers. Moreover a mechanical test and DSC analysis indicated that the fiber structure was not damaged when the fabric was dyed at 100 °C. Hence dyeing polypropylene using CO₂ as a transport medium was very feasible and worthy of further development.     

Direct synthesis of poly(l-lactic acid) in supercritical carbon dioxide with dicyclohexyldimethylcarbodiimide and 4-dimethylaminopyridine

The direct synthesis of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) from an l-lactic acid oligomer has been performed in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) using an esterification promoting agent, dicyclohexyldimethylcarbodiimide (DCC), and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) as a catalyst. PLLA within M_n of 13,500 g/mol was synthesised in 90% yield at 3500 psi and 80 °C after 24 h. The molecular weight distribution of the products was narrower than PLLA prepared with melt-solid phase polymerisation under conventional conditions. Both DCC and DMAP showed high solubility in scCO₂ (DCC: 7.6 wt% (1.63×10⁻² mol/mol CO₂) at 80 °C, 3385 psi, DMAP: 4.5 wt% (1.62×10⁻²mol/mol CO₂) at 80 °C, 3386 psi) and supercritical fluid extraction was found to be effective at removing excess DMAP and DCC after the polymerisation was complete. We show that DCC and DMAP are effective esterification promoting reagents with further applications for condensation polymerisations in scCO₂.     

Research progress in removal of trace carbon dioxide from closed spaces

In this paper, the removal of trace carbon dioxide from closed spaces through membrane process and biotransformation are introduced in detail. These methods include the microalgae photobioreactor, membrane microalgae photobioreactor, supported liquid membrane, membrane gas-liquid contactor, hydrogel membrane, and enzyme membrane bioreactor. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods are compared. It is found that higher CO₂ removal efficiency can be obtained in biotransformation and membrane process. However, a large volume and high energy consumption are needed in biotransformation, while the low permeability and stability must be solved in the membrane process.     

Interfacial tension of linear and branched PP in supercritical carbon dioxide

In this study, sessile drops are imaged in a high-pressure and high-temperature view chamber to determine the density and interfacial tension of linear polypropylene (LPP) and branched polypropylene (BPP) melts in supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂). The pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) data of polyprophylene (PP)-CO₂ is investigated by monitoring the swelling changes of the polymer melt in supercritical CO₂. The density difference between the polymer/CO₂ mixture and the CO₂ is determined by combining the swelling results with the CO₂ solubility information in the polymer melt. Both the Sanchez-Lacombe (SL) and the Simha-Somcynsky (SS) equations-of-state (EOS) are applied to predict the density of the PP-CO₂ mixture, which is then compared to the density data obtained experimentally. The dependence of interfacial tension on the temperature and pressure of PP in supercritical CO₂ is investigated at temperatures from 180 °C to 220 °C and pressures up to 31 MPa. Effects of long-chain branching on the density and interfacial tension of PP-CO₂ mixtures are discussed.     

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of Baizhu: Experiments and modeling

In this work, supercritical CO₂ extraction has been carried out on a traditional Chinese herb of Baizhu under pressure of 15-45 MPa, temperature of 40-60 °C, mean powder size of 0.167-0.675 mm, and extraction time of up to 180 min. The maximum extraction yield obtained in 5 h is about 6.76 × 10⁻² g per gram raw materials at 60 °C and 45 MPa. The extraction process is correlated by means of five different mathematical models. The evaluation of these models against experimental data shows that among these models the Sovová model performs the best with an overall average absolute relative deviation of 1.62%, followed by Crank and Naik models, finally the Barton and Martínez models. From the Sovová model, the mass transfer coefficient in solid or fluid are obtained and they are varying in the ranges of 4.02-6.14 × 10⁻⁸ m/s and 0.88-2.87 × 10⁻⁹ m/s, respectively. These results suggest that solute diffusion in solid matrices and solute mass transfer in fluid are both important in affecting the supercritical CO₂ extraction process of Baizhu.     

Synthesis of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) powder by homogeneous precipitation combined with supercritical carbon dioxide or ethanol fluid drying

YAG precursors were synthesized by the urea method in aqueous solution using supercritical carbon dioxide and ethanol fluid drying technique, respectively. The composition of the precursors, the phase formation process and the properties of the calcined powders were investigated by means of XRD, IR, TG/DSC, BET, TEM and SEM. Compared with the classically prepared powders at room temperature in air, the amorphous precursor dried by supercritical CO₂ fluid was loosely agglomerated and directly converted to pure YAG at about 900 °C. The resultant YAG powders showed good dispersity with an average crystallite size about 20 nm and specific surface area of 52 m² g⁻¹. However, the precursor dried by supercritical ethanol fluid was crystalline. Extensive phase segregation occurred during the drying process and resulted in the formation of separate phases such as monoclinic Y(OH)₃ and pseudoboehmite. YAM and YAP phases appeared in the calcination process and phase pure were not detected until 1200 °C.     

Oxidative stability of sunflower oil extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide

Extraction of oilseeds with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC−CO₂) is a promising technique to obtain vegetable oils. However, instability of such oils has been associated in the past with SC−CO₂ extraction. The reasons underlying such instability were unclear. Results presented here suggest that oil instability may be related to the oxygen content of CO₂. In fact, oil stability decreases sharply when refined oil (additive-free) is re-extracted with SC−CO₂ and can be related to the oxygen content in the CO₂. Never-theless, oil stability could be improved to the level of conventionally extracted oil by adding trace amounts of ascorbic acid.     

Biocatalytic separation of (R, S)-1-phenylethanol enantiomers and fractionation of reaction products with supercritical carbon dioxide

The continuous kinetic resolution of (R, S)-1-phenylethanol via enzymatic transesterification was chosen as a benchmark reaction for the study of a complete reaction/separation process using supercritical carbon dioxide. Phase equilibrium data for binary and ternary systems was acquired as a starting point to determine the best conditions of operation. Total conversion of the (R)-isomer of the alcohol was achieved using a 10% molar excess of vinyl laurate. Three separators operating at given temperatures and pressures allowed the recovery of (S)-1-phenylethanol with a purity of 86%. The phase equilibrium data obtained indicates that an additional separation step should allow the recovery of both (S)-1-phenylethanol and (R)-1-phenylethylaurate with over 95% purity. Due to the low solubilities of the target compounds, CO₂ from the outlet gas stream of the last separator must be recycled to ensure the technical viability of the integrated reaction/separation of (R, S)-1-phenylethanol.     

Extraction of peanut skin oil by modified supercritical carbon dioxide: Empirical modelling and optimization

ABSTRACT

Peanut skin is a waste by-product from peanut industries. It is rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Therefore, the objective of this study was to empirically model and optimize supercritical CO₂ extraction of oil from peanut skin. The extraction conditions were pressure (100, 200 and 300 bar), temperature (313, 328 and 343 K) and rate of modifier ethanol (0.075, 0.15 and 0.225 mL/min). The extraction process was subsequently examined using modified Brunner and Esquivel models. The optimum conditions for extraction peanut skin oil were 279 bar, 70°C and rate of modifier of 7.5% with a maximum yield of peanut skin oil of 0.83 g and initial slope of 0.568 g/min.     

Biodiesel production from supercritical carbon dioxide extracted Jatropha oil using subcritical hydrolysis and supercritical methylation

This study investigates supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) extraction of triglycerides from powdered Jatropha curcas kernels followed by subcritical hydrolysis and supercritical methylation of the extracted SC-CO₂ oil to obtain a 98.5% purity level of biodiesel. Effects of the reaction temperature, the reaction time and the solvent to feed ratio on free fatty acids in the hydrolyzed oil and fatty acid esters in the methylated oil via two experimental designs were also examined. Supercritical methylation of the hydrolyzed oil following subcritical hydrolysis of the SC-CO₂ extract yielded a methylation reaction conversion of 99%. The activation energy of hydrolysis and trans-esterified reactions were 68.5 and 45.2 kJ/mole, respectively. This study demonstrates that supercritical methylation preceded by subcritical hydrolysis of the SC-CO₂ oil is a feasible two-step process in producing biodiesel from powdered Jatropha kernels.     

Form coke reaction processes in carbon dioxide

Uncertainty in metallurgical coke supplies has prompted development of form coke from low quality coals and fines. Reaction rates have been measured and mechanisms identified that control carbonaceous briquette reaction rate in CO₂. Three briquette formulations were prepared, characterized and coked in an inert atmosphere at high temperature. A given weight of each formulation was then reacted in a packed bed with CO₂ at 1373 K for 0.5–2 h. Partially reacted briquettes contained a solid core with some internal reaction surrounded by a loosely adhering layer of carbon-containing ash. The reaction rate of briquettes with CO₂ was affected by diffusion of CO₂ through the bulk gas and the ash-carbon layer to the core surface, as well as CO₂–carbon reaction. Key variables governing briquette reaction rate included CO₂ mole fraction and briquette void fraction.     

Cetirizine solubility in supercritical CO2 at different pressures and temperatures

A simple static technique was used to obtain the solubility of cetirizine in supercritical carbon dioxide. The solubility measurements were performed at temperatures and pressures ranging from 308.15 to 338.15 K and 160 to 400 bar, respectively; resulting in mole fractions in the 1.05 × 10⁻⁵ to 4.92 × 10⁻³ range. The Chrastil, Bartle, Kumar & Johnston and the Mendez-Santiago and Teja (MST) models were used to correlate the experimental data. The calculated solubilities showed good agreement with the experimental data in the temperature and pressure ranges studied.     

Phase equilibrium studying for the supercritical fluid extraction process using carbon dioxide solvent with 1.35 mole ratio of octane to ethanol mixture

Supercritical fluid extraction is a clean environmental chemical engineering process that has been given an interest to many researchers worldwide. The assessment of the feasibility of the extraction process utilizing a near critical solvent would be speeded up if it is possible to predict solubility data. Solubility data were measured for carbon dioxide with a mole ratio 1.35 of octane to ethanol using a phase equilibrium loading re-circulating high-pressure type apparatus at pressures up to 100 bar and at temperature 75 °C. The experimental data were then compared with calculated theoretical data which is calculated form the regular solution equations. A thermodynamic procedure is employed to each phase by applying activity coefficient expressions related to interaction parameters which are dependent on the pressure.     

Enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic materials after treatment with supercritical carbon dioxide

Lignocellulosic materials, such as agricultural residues, are abundant renewable resources for bioconversion to sugars. The sugar cane bagasse was studied here to obtain simple sugars for the production of alcohols and other chemicals. The crystalline structure of cellulose and the lignin that physically seals the surrounding cellulose fibers makes enzymatic hydrolysis difficult by preventing the contact between the cellulose and the enzyme. Two different samples of sugar cane (bagasse pulp and skin) were used and compared with microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel). The investigated samples were pretreated with SC-CO₂ explosion before hydrolysis. The experiments were conducted at 12, 14 and 16 MPa at a temperature of 60 °C. In this process, particles of celluloses within the size range from 0.25 to 0.42 mm were placed in defined amounts inside the experimental vessel, CO₂ was injected and let stand for 5 and 60 min. The explosion pretreatment of cellulosic materials by SC-CO₂ was performed in an apparatus of a static type with 300 ml of volume. The hydrolysis reaction using cellulose enzyme was carried at 55 °C for 8 h. After the pretreatment, the glucose yield increased in 72% to the bagasse sample. The SC-CO₂ pretreatment together with alkali increased the glucose yield in 20% as compared with alkali only. X-ray, microscopy and thermal analysis were used to investigate the effect of the pretreatment.     

Grafting of polypropylene with N-cyclohexylmaleimide and styrene simultaneously using supercritical CO2

Monomer mixture of styrene (St) and N-cyclohexylmaleimide (ChMI) and initiator benzoyl peroxide (BPO) were first impregnated into isotactic polypropylene (iPP) films simultaneously using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO₂) as a solvent and swelling agent at 35.0 °C. The composites were obtained after the monomers were grafted onto the iPP matrix at 70 °C. The effects of various conditions, such as pressure, monomer concentration, and the molar ratio of the two monomers in the soaking process, on the composition of the composites were determined. The molar ratios of St to ChMI in the composites were estimated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The thermal properties, the morphology, and the mechanical properties of the composites were characterized by different techniques. The results demonstrated that the phase size of the grafted St-ChMI was very small and the phase boundary was very ambiguous. The composites had better thermal stability than the original iPP film. The Young's modulus and tensile strength of the film increased continuously with increasing grafting percentage. The two grafted monomers in the composites had good synergetic effect.