Kaolin-based synthesis as an alternative low-cost adsorbent for biodiesel purification

Name: Aphirak Tharanuvet

Organization : Chulalongkorn University. Faculty of Engineering

Email : aphirak.th@gmail.com

Name: Kanokwan Ngaosuwan

Organization : Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep. Engineering Faculty

Email : kanokwan.n@mail.rmutk.ac.th

Name: Worapon Kiatkittipong

Organization : Silpakorn University. Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology

Name: Doonyapong Wongsawaeng

Organization : Chulalongkorn University. Faculty of Engineering

Name: Weerinda Appamana

Organization : Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi. Faculty of Engineering

Name: Merika Chanthanumataporn

Organization : Chulalongkorn University. Faculty of Engineering

Name: Suttichai Assabumrungrat

Organization : Chulalongkorn University. Faculty of Engineering

keyword: Biodiesel purification

LCSH: Kaolin

; Adsorbent

LCSH: Inorganic polymers

; Dry washing

Abstract: Kaolin-based geopolymer is a low-cost, environmentally friendly adsorbent for biodiesel purification via the dry washing process. This study explores two methods for transforming kaolin into a geopolymer adsorbent: (1) hydrothermal treatment, where kaolin is mixed with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 90°C for 24 hours and then calcined at 500°C for 6 hours, and (2) the fusion method, where kaolin is fused with NaOH at a high temperature for 15 hours, followed by dealkalization through washing with deionized water until neutralized. The synthesized geopolymers were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adsorption performance was evaluated by purifying 100 mL of biodiesel at varying FAME concentrations (30%, 50%, and 70%) using 5 wt.% geopolymer. The mixture was stirred at 60°C, centrifuged, and analyzed via gas chromatography (GC) to determine the increase in biodiesel yield due to glycerol and excess methanol adsorption. Characterization results showed the presence of an amorphous phase in both geopolymers, confirmed by XRD, while FTIR spectra (400– 4000 cm⁻¹) validated the formation of geopolymer from kaolin. SEM images revealed rough surface morphologies, and BET analysis showed that the specific surface areas of geopolymers synthesized by the hydrothermal and fusion methods were 6.82 m²/g and 45.9 m²/g, respectively. The larger surface area of the fusion-based geopolymer suggests a higher adsorption capacity for glycerol. The comparative performance of these methods in biodiesel purification is still under investigation, with final results to be reported upon completion. However, preliminary findings indicate that kaolin-based geopolymer is a promising adsorbent for biodiesel purification

King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok. Central Library

Address: BANGKOK

Email: library@kmutnb.ac.th

Created: 2025

Modified: 2025-07-23

Issued: 2025-07-23

บทความ/Article

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BibliograpyCitation : In Thai Institute of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry and Khon Kaen University. Faculty of Engineering. The 34th Thai Institute of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry International Conference (TIChE 2025) (TIChE 2025 TIChE-CR-07). Bangkok : Thai Institute of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, 2025

eng

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