# Electrochemical Valorization of Coconut Oil-Derived Fatty Acids: Toward a Sustainable Alternative for Fuel Additives

## TL;DR

This paper explores using coconut oil fatty acids to create sustainable fuel additives through electrochemical methods, offering an energy-efficient alternative to traditional processes.

## Contribution

The study introduces an energy-efficient electrochemical method for converting coconut oil fatty acids into fuel additives with selective product control.

## Key findings

- Methanol achieved 100% conversion of fatty acids to products, unlike water and nonpolar solvents.
- High voltage (>10 V) produced oxygenated products, while moderate voltage (8–10 V) favored linear α-olefins like 1-undecene and 1-tridecene.
- The electrochemical method requires less energy than conventional thermochemical processes for biomass valorization.

## Abstract

The search for sustainable
energy sources drives research in biomass
conversion. This study investigates the electrochemical decarboxylation
of fatty acids from coconut oil through the Non-Kolbe reaction, evaluating
solvents, electrolytes, and applied voltage. Methanol achieved 100%
conversion of substrate to product, while water and nonpolar solvents
exhibited low reactivity. Inorganic bases like KOH, NaOH, and NaHCO3 were more effective than organic bases. High potentials (>10
V) favored oxygenated products, whereas moderate potentials (8–10
V) enhanced the production of linear α-olefins, such as 1-undecene
and 1-tridecene. Results demonstrate that the electrosynthesis of
fuel additives from fatty acids can offer a sustainable alternative
to conventional thermochemical processes. The selective control of
products via voltage and electrolyte/solvent choice presents a promising
route for efficient and sustainable fuel additive production. This
method requires lower energy input than conventional thermochemical
routes, providing a more energy-efficient pathway for biomass valorization.