Abstract
The transesterification of palm oil to methyl esters (biodiesel) was studied using KOH/zeolite as solid heterogeneous catalysts. Various process variables such as KOH concentration and reaction time were studied in order to obtain maximum yield of biodiesel. A series of KOH/zeolite catalyst was prepared by impregnation of zeolite from Pacitan with potassium hydroxide in a various concentration (25g KOH in 100mL of distilled water; 50g KOH in 100mL of distilled water; 75g in 100mL of distilled water; and 100g in 100mL of distilled water). The weight ratios between zeolite and KOH solution were 1:4. Transesterification was carried out at various reaction times (1 to 4h). The impregnation of zeolite with KOH concentration of 100g/100mL gave maximum yield of biodiesel. The natural zeolite, catalyst, and spent catalysts were characterised by using several techniques such as XRD, EDX, and SEM.
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