Facile tuning of hydrogel properties for efficient water removal from biodiesel: An assessment of alkaline hydrolysis and drying techniques

Autor(es)

Arthus, Leticia ; Estevam, Bianca Ramos ; Aguila, Zaida Jova ; Maciel, Maria Regina Wolf ; Fregolente, Leonardo Vasconcelos

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Chemical Engineering Science; v. 282, p. 12-pg., 2023-12-05.

Resumo

Polymeric hydrogels are a promising new technology for dehydrating fuels. This study critically analyzes the effects of hydrolysis post-treatment and drying methods (oven-drying and freeze-drying) on polyacrylamide hydrogels for removing diluted water from biodiesel. The materials were characterized using FTIR, TGA, SEM, DVS, compressive strength, and swelling degree analyses. The water diffusion profiles during swelling were observed using an innovative method described in this study. Hydrolysis improved the hydrophilicity of the hydrogel, increasing the swelling degree from 33-37 g.g  1 to 987-1,095 g.g  1, and doubling the water absorption from biodiesel. Freeze-drying benefited the kinetics of water uptake. Using hydrolyzed polyacrylamide hydrogel, the water content in biodiesel decreased from 1497 ppm to 978 ppm in just 30 min. Within 72 h, 49% of the water was removed from the biofuel. This demonstrates the efficiency of hydrogel systems, which could become a competitive alternative to traditional fuel desiccants, removing even traces of moisture. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 21/08438-1 - Desenvolvimento de leitos de hidrogel enxertado com nanomateriais de celulose obtido por manufatura aditiva para separação de água em biodiesel e diesel
• Beneficiário: Letícia Arthus
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado Direto
• Processo FAPESP: 21/03472-7 - Desenvolvimento de novos processos de separação de água em biodiesel e mistura biodiesel/diesel aplicando-se hidrogéis sintéticos enxertados com nanocristais de celulose
• Beneficiário: Leonardo Vasconcelos Fregolente
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Programa BIOEN - Regular
• Processo FAPESP: 15/20630-4 - Desenvolvimento integrado de biorrefinaria e planta de bioetanol de cana-de-açúcar com emissão zero de CO2: rotas para converter recursos renováveis em bioprodutos e bioeletricidade
• Beneficiário: Rubens Maciel Filho
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Temático