• Number 414  |
• May 26, 2014

Ames Lab creates multifunctional nanoparticles for cheaper, cleaner biofuel

DOE's Ames Laboratory has created a faster, cleaner biofuel refining technology that not only combines processes, it uses widely available materials to reduce costs.

Ames Lab scientists have developed a nanoparticle that is able to perform two processing functions at once for the production of green diesel, an alternative fuel created from the hydrogenation of oils from renewable feedstocks like algae.

The method is a departure from the established process of producing biodiesel, which is accomplished by reacting fats and oils with alcohols. The nanoparticles promise cost savings because they contain nickel, which is approximately 2000 time less expensive as the metals traditionally used in fatty acid hydrogenation, like platinum or palladium.

[Breehan Gerleman Lucchesi, 515.294.9750,
breehan@ameslab.gov]