Development of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) peel waste as a new solid catalyst: Biodiesel synthesis, optimization and characterization

Abstract

This study aims to develop and convert jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) peel waste (JPW) into a new solid catalyst suitable for biodiesel synthesis. The calcination process of JPW ash was carried out for 2 h at various temperatures ranging from 500, 600, 700, and 800 °C, and the results showed that ash calcined under 500 °C produced the highest yield of 92.38%. Based on the characterization result, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were significant components in the prepared catalyst. These components are desirable in biodiesel synthesis, making the catalyst a promising candidate for this process. The response surface methodology (RSM) revealed that the optimum conditions for the synthesis process include an oil-methanol molar ratio of 1:9, a catalyst weight of 12% (w/w), a reaction time of 105 min, and a constant temperature of 65 °C, yielding a methyl ester content of 98.88%. The reusability result indicated that the JPW catalyst could be used three times with the highest yield of 93.33%. Moreover, the WCO biodiesel properties were analyzed and found to fulfill ASTM D 6751 requirements. This study demonstrated that JPW can be successfully employed as a solid catalyst for biodiesel synthesis.