DEVELOPMENT OF BIOMASS DERIVED CATALYST FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL USING NEEM, WASTE COOKING OIL AND JATHROPHA OIL BLEND
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Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable energy sources has driven the exploration of biodiesel as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. This study focuses on the development of biomass-derived catalysts for the production of biodiesel using a blend of non-edible oils: neem, shea, and jatropha. The research aims to address the challenges associated with conventional catalytic processes, such as high costs, environmental impact, and inefficiencies, by utilizing agricultural waste products to create sustainable and cost-effective catalysts.
The project involved the synthesis of biomass-derived catalysts from plantain peels and coconut husks, which were characterized for their physical and chemical properties. The transesterification process was optimized using the Box-Behnken Design (BBD) to determine the effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, catalyst load, and methanol-to-oil mole ratio on biodiesel yield. The results indicated that the optimal conditions for biodiesel production were a reaction temperature of 60°C, a reaction time of 90 minutes, a catalyst load of 5.5 wt%, and a methanol-to-oil mole ratio of 6.5:1, yielding a maximum biodiesel yield of 92.37%.
The biodiesel produced from the oil blend was characterized according to ASTM standards, and the results showed that the physical and chemical properties, including density, viscosity, flash point, and acid value, were within acceptable limits for biodiesel. The study demonstrated that biomass-derived catalysts are effective in producing high-quality biodiesel from non-edible oil blends, offering a sustainable and economically viable alternative to conventional catalysts. This research contributes to the advancement of renewable energy technologies by providing a framework for the utilization of locally sourced agricultural waste in biodiesel production. The findings highlight the potential of biomass-derived catalysts to enhance biodiesel yield and qualitywhile reducing environmental impact, thereby supporting the transition to sustainable energy
solution.
The project involved the synthesis of biomass-derived catalysts from plantain peels and coconut husks, which were characterized for their physical and chemical properties. The transesterification process was optimized using the Box-Behnken Design (BBD) to determine the effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, catalyst load, and methanol-to-oil mole ratio on biodiesel yield. The results indicated that the optimal conditions for biodiesel production were a reaction temperature of 60°C, a reaction time of 90 minutes, a catalyst load of 5.5 wt%, and a methanol-to-oil mole ratio of 6.5:1, yielding a maximum biodiesel yield of 92.37%.
The biodiesel produced from the oil blend was characterized according to ASTM standards, and the results showed that the physical and chemical properties, including density, viscosity, flash point, and acid value, were within acceptable limits for biodiesel. The study demonstrated that biomass-derived catalysts are effective in producing high-quality biodiesel from non-edible oil blends, offering a sustainable and economically viable alternative to conventional catalysts. This research contributes to the advancement of renewable energy technologies by providing a framework for the utilization of locally sourced agricultural waste in biodiesel production. The findings highlight the potential of biomass-derived catalysts to enhance biodiesel yield and qualitywhile reducing environmental impact, thereby supporting the transition to sustainable energy
solution.
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