Using nanotechnology to make biodiesel even faster, less messy

Researchers at Iowa State University may have developed a method to create biodiesel not only faster but with less toxic material. Currently, biodiesel is created using sodium methoxide, a corrosive, flammable, and toxic substance. Extracting the fuel from the chemical requires a tedious step by step process involving water and acid neutralization. Iowan researchers have used nanotechnology to create silica particles that hold catalyst substances like sodium methoxide within them. These particles eliminate the wasteful wash process while allowing the recycling of the catalyst for future use.
[Source: United Press International, Inc.]

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