AFEREOKHAI EBENEZER AIDOKHAI

The rising global demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources has intensified interest in biofuels as viable alternatives to fossil fuels. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of biofuels derived from selected Nigerian crops, with the aim of exploring their potential as eco-friendly energy resources. Locally available feedstocks such as palm oil, groundnut oil, and cassava were utilized for biofuel production through transesterification and fermentation processes. Physicochemical properties of the synthesized biofuels—including density, viscosity, flash point, calorific value, and cetane number—were analyzed in accordance with ASTM standards and compared with conventional diesel fuel. The results revealed that the produced biofuels exhibited properties comparable to standard diesel, indicating good ignition quality and combustion efficiency. Variations in yield and performance were attributed to differences in the oil content and fatty acid composition of the feedstocks. Furthermore, the study established that Nigerian crops provide a sustainable raw material base for biofuel production, with minimal environmental impact and strong potential for rural economic development. The research concludes that biofuels synthesized from indigenous Nigerian crops are promising renewable energy alternatives capable of reducing dependency on petroleum-based fuels and mitigating carbon emissions. The study recommends further optimization of production parameters and scaling up of local biofuel technologies to enhance energy security and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

The rising global demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources has intensified interest in biofuels as viable alternatives to fossil fuels. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of biofuels derived from selected Nigerian crops, with the aim of exploring their potential as eco-friendly energy resources. Locally available feedstocks such as palm oil, groundnut oil, and cassava were utilized for biofuel production through transesterification and fermentation processes. Physicochemical properties of the synthesized biofuels—including density, viscosity, flash point, calorific value, and cetane number—were analyzed in accordance with ASTM standards and compared with conventional diesel fuel. The results revealed that the produced biofuels exhibited properties comparable to standard diesel, indicating good ignition quality and combustion efficiency. Variations in yield and performance were attributed to differences in the oil content and fatty acid composition of the feedstocks. Furthermore, the study established that Nigerian crops provide a sustainable raw material base for biofuel production, with minimal environmental impact and strong potential for rural economic development. The research concludes that biofuels synthesized from indigenous Nigerian crops are promising renewable energy alternatives capable of reducing dependency on petroleum-based fuels and mitigating carbon emissions. The study recommends further optimization of production parameters and scaling up of local biofuel technologies to enhance energy security and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.