Biodiesel Production using Waste Cooking Oil by Novel Heterogeneous Catalyst Synthesized from Waste Biomass

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.