Abstract:
The growing need for renewable energy to conserve the environment has boosted
research on biodiesel production from renewable resources. In this research work, the
application of calcium oxide (CaO) obtained from the conversion of coconut shell (C-
CCS) and coconut pith (C-CCP) as a catalyst in the transesterification process of waste
cooking oil (WCO) to biodiesel is examined. The detailed catalyst characterization was
analyzed using XRD, FTIR, and SEM, demonstrating that C-CCS showed higher
crystallinity and well-defined carbon support structure than C-CCP. These catalysts
were further examined under varying conditions of methanol-to-oil ratios, catalyst
loadings, and reaction temperatures. The highest biodiesel yield of 92% was achieved
was achieved using C-CCS at a methanol-to-oil ratio of 10:1, catalyst loading of 8 wt.
%, and reaction temperature of 70 °C. Physical and chemical properties analyses
showed that the produced biodiesel fulfilled the requirements of the set standard of
ASTMD6751 with a density of 0 g/cc. The density ranged from 88 g/cc to 95 g/cc,
applicable to the specificity of 4, the viscosity of 4.47 cSt at 40 °C while its flash point
was 154 to 162 °C, the acid value was 0, saponification value of 49 mg NaOH/g oil and
moisture content at 0.01%. C-CCS had comparatively superior properties to C-CCP
because it has a higher surface area and pore size, which help enhancement in the
catalytic activity. Besides focusing on biodiesel production with the help of biowaste-
derived CaO catalysts, this study also underlines the possibility of utilizing waste
materials as valuable resources for sustainable energy development. Directions for
future research are also proposed in this dissertation. The research provides significant
information on delivering a sustainable route map for biodiesel synthesis through cost-
efficient and environmentally friendly catalysts.
