Innovative approach to the catalytic effects of oxide glasses and glass-ceramics on the thermal decomposition of fatty acids

Abstract

In the quest to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, biofuels, particularly biodiesel and new generation renewable diesel, are compelling alternatives to fossil fuels due to their lower toxicity, renewability, biodegradability, lubricity, and cleaner combustion. This study explores cost-effective, innovative catalysts: glasses-(ceramics) derived from the Na₂O-V₂O₅-(Al₂O₃)-P₂O₅-Nb₂O₅ system, for the pyrolytic deoxygenation of long-chain fatty acids into alkanes. Thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC) assessed catalytic activity, while TG-IR and STA-QMS provided insights into the catalytic mechanisms. Dielectric properties examined through solid-state impedance spectroscopy (SS-IS) revealed that increased V₂O₅ content enhances dielectric permittivity, dielectric strength, and dielectric loss, correlating with improved catalytic activity. Optimal properties were achieved with the highest V₂O₅ content, indicating potential applications in memory and switching devices and battery technology. This study highlights the versatility and multifunctionality of oxide glasses-(ceramics), enhanced through simple compositional adjustments.