Application of Sodium Silicate from Palm Leaf Ash as Heterogeneous Catalyst in Transesterification of Palm Oil

Abstract

This research aims to synthesize sodium silicate based on palm leaf ash as a heterogeneous catalyst for making biodiesel from refined, bleached, deodorized, palm oil (RBDPO). Silica was obtained by calcining palm leaf at a temperature of 700°C for 3 hours, followed by washing using 1 N HCl solution. Synthesis of sodium silicate catalyst was carried out by varying the mole ratio of NaOH:SiO2. The best catalyst was obtained at a NaOH:SiO2 molar ratio of 1.5:1, with a biodiesel yield of 74.468% and an ester content of 97.293%. The sodium silicate catalyst produced in this research performed a good stability by showing high recycling uses. The catalyst could be used up to three times without regeneration produced biodiesel with a yield of 40.018%.