Advancing biodiesel production from microalgae Spirulina sp. by a simultaneous extraction–transesterification process using palm oil as a co-solvent of methanol

Yano Surya Pradana,Farida Arisa,Kanadya Di Livia,Arief Budiman,Resti Nurmala Dewi,Rochim Bakti Cahyono

doi:10.1515/chem-2020-0133

Abstract

AbstractMicroalgae have been considered as a potential candidate for biodiesel feedstock. Single-stage simultaneous extraction–transesterification process is proposed for simpler and more effective biodiesel conversion. In this study, the experiment of biodiesel production from microalgae Spirulina sp. was performed in a batch-stirred reactor using palm oil as a co-solvent of methanol and catalyzed by potassium hydroxide at a percentage of 1 wt% (w/w of palm oil). The effects of methanol–palm oil molar ratio, palm oil–microalgae weight ratio, and temperature on biodiesel yield were investigated. The results showed that the best biodiesel yield was 85.28% (99.01% of partial biodiesel yield from palm oil and 16.69% of partial biodiesel yield from dry microalgae), obtained at a methanol–palm oil molar ratio of 10:1, a palm oil–microalgae weight ratio of 5:1, and at a temperature of 60°C. Upon comparison, the overall yield increased by 34.59% (37.73% of partial biodiesel yield from palm oil and 13.00% of partial biodiesel yield from dry microalgae) than that of the two-stage (conventional) method. Single-stage simultaneous extraction–transesterification process also reduced the number of unsaturated fatty acid components in biodiesel that will lower the biodiesel quality.

Highlights

In the last few decades, the rapid growth of population and technology has led to the increase in energy demand in the world [1]
Palm oil has the potential to be further developed as a novel research for producing biodiesel as it has two main roles in the process, acting as a raw material and a co-solvent
The percentage of minor components, i.e., methyl myristate and methyl stearate, showed a slight difference in both methods. This result indicates that the unsaturated fatty acid component, represented by methyl oleate, in the product of the two-stage method was more dominant than that of simultaneous extraction transesterification

Summary

Introduction

In the last few decades, the rapid growth of population and technology has led to the increase in energy demand in the world [1]. To meet this requirement, fossil fuels are still in the top rank of reliable energy resources [2]. The limited availability of fossil fuels has driven all stakeholders to develop alternative and sustainable fuels [3]. They are vigorously promoted for replacing conventional fuels and overcoming energy crisis with less environmental impacts [4]. The requirement of large land for oil crop plantation is another threat on utilizing this resource [14]

Methods

Results

Conclusion