Environmental considerations methanol fuel

Fuels cells are of interest both from energetic and environmental considerations. When methanol is fed directly to an anode, as in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells , electric power is generated, making the devices suitable for small and lightweight uses [53], Alternative fuels such as polyhydric alcohols like ethylene glycol and glycerol are much less volatile and toxic, on the one hand, and electrochemically oxidizable on the other [54]. Therefore, the electrochemical oxidation of various polyhydric alcohols has been investigated in acidic as well as in alkaline conditions. 

Numerous types of basic heterogeneous catalysts, such as alkahne earth metal oxide, anion exchange resins and alkali metal compounds supported on alumina or zeolite can catalyze various chemical reactions such as isomerization, aldol, Michael, and Knoevenagel condensation, oxidation and transesterification [1], Today considerable attention is devoted to the production of biodiesel (FAMEs) as an alternative for petroleum-derived diesel fuel. Biodiesel is synthesized by direct transesterification of vegetable oil or animal fat with a short-chain alcohol, viz. methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol in presence of an acid, base or enzymatic catalyst [2], Considering the advantages of solid base catalysts, for easy separation and recovery, reduced corrosion and environmental acceptance [1], many studies have been conducted on basic heterogeneous catalysts development for biodiesel production [3-13],... 

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