Silchar: Scientists from India, China and the UK have developed a water-repellent catalyst that could reduce the cost of biodiesel production and improve the renewable fuel’s commercial viability.Led by Samuel Lalthazuala Rokhum, associate professor of chemistry at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar, the team has developed a “spherical superhydrophobic activated carbon catalyst” that can withstand water, which is generated as a byproduct during biodiesel production.Water often poisons the active sites of conventional catalysts, reducing their effectiveness. The newly developed catalyst remains active in the presence of water and can be reused several times, making the process more efficient and economical.“Our novel superhydrophobic catalyst can be a game-changer in biodiesel production. It stands out because of its robustness and ability to withstand the water generated during the production process,” Rokhum said.Derived from cellulose-rich biomass, the catalyst is environmentally benign, abundant and affordable. It mimics the water-repellent properties of natural surfaces such as lotus leaves.“This means the catalyst remains highly effective and can be reused multiple times, making the catalytic process more efficient and economical,” Rokhum said.According to the researchers, the innovation could bring the catalyst-related cost of biodiesel production down to about 37 paise per litre, helping the fuel compete with conventional diesel and encouraging wider adoption.“Biodiesel is a key player in the quest for sustainable energy. Our innovative catalyst could pave the way for broader adoption and a greener future because it makes the production process more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly,” Rokhum said.The findings were published in the international journal ‘Advanced Functional Materials’. The research team included Arpita Das, Kangkana Saikia and Rokhum of NIT Silchar; Chandrakanta Ghuchhait and Bimalendu Adhikari of NIT Rourkela; Da Shi of the University of Cambridge, UK; and Hu Li of Guizhou University, China.Rokhum’s research group has published more than 100 papers on biodiesel and related sustainable-fuel technologies. He claimed, citing Scopus data, that the group has the world’s highest number of publications in the field.
