SYNTHESIS OF BIODIESEL FROM WASTE COOKING OIL BY USING EGGSHELL AS CATALYST

Abstract

In the quest for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, biodiesel has emerged as a promising solution. This research explores a green synthesis route for biodiesel production using waste cooking oil (WCO) and a novel heterogeneous catalyst derived from calcined chicken eggshells. This study also highlights a sustainable waste-to energy pathway aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 7, 12, and 13. The primary objective is to investigate the efficacy of calcium oxide (CaO) obtained from eggshells as a low-cost, eco-friendly catalyst in the transesterification process. Eggshells were calcined at high temperatures to yield CaO, which was then utilized in the transesterification of WCO with methanol. The catalyst was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) was used to analyze the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) produced. Results indicate that use of catalyst and methanol to oil molar ratios significantly influence biodiesel yield, with an optimal yield achieved at a 12:1 methanol to oil ratio and 5g of catalyst. FTIR confirmed the successful conversion of calcium carbonate to calcium oxide and GC-FID data validated biodiesel production. The research highlights the potential of converting kitchen waste into valuable energy, aligning with circular economy principles and environmental conservation. This work provides a scalable and sustainable methodology that contributes to the reduction of both waste and reliance on petroleum-based fuels.