Applications or implementation
Integrative chemistry : a tool for the rational design of advanced materials

The production of biofuels offers an interesting alternative to fossil fuels. Biodiesels are processed products based on the oils of oleaginous plants such as rapeseed, palm, sunflower or soy. They generally result from a chemical reaction, catalyzed in an acid medium or preferably in a basic medium, between vegetable oil (90% by mass) and alcohol (10% by mass). This so-called transesterification reaction converts the mixture into methyl ester (the main component of biodiesel) and glycerol. A parasitic saponification reaction (transformation of the methyl ester into a salt of the corresponding acid) limits the methyl ester yield. To improve the conversion rate, it is therefore necessary to develop other catalysts that...