Transesterification of waste cooking oil for synthesizing biodiesel by koh supported bio-char catalyst from durian shell (durio zibethinus)

Abstract

Renewable and clean energy sources have gained significant attention in recent times due to the rise in energy demand resulting from the ongoing expansion of industrial activities and the depletion of fossil fuels. Biodiesel, produced via transesterification, represents a promising alternative to petroleum-based fuel thanks to its renewable, environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and cost-effective properties. The main objective of this study is to optimize the synthesis of biodiesel by utilizing a KOH-supported biochar catalyst from durian peel. Waste cooking oil (WCO) underwent pretreatment via acid catalysis using H2SO4, then transesterification was done with the help KOH-impregnated biochar catalyst. The effects on the product yield of the reaction time (RT), catalyst w/w%, and methanol to oil molar ratio (MOR) were observed, and the 27/3 Methanol Test was used to determine the conditions required for 99–100% conversion to biodiesel. In achieving the highest yield possible, parameter optimization was critical. The highest yield obtained was 91.08% at conditions of an RT of 2 hours, 12:1 MOR, 5% w/w catalyst, with the catalyst analyzed showing that it has 24.52% K element.