Optimization of Base Catalysts for Biodiesel Production from Jatropha curcas oil

Abstract

Rapid Industrialization has led to a drastic decline in fossil fuels giving rise to the need for environment-friendly biodiesel to fulfill the industrial appetite. Biodiesel from Jatropha curcas has significant potential for being an alternative fuel. The type of catalyst used for the production of biodiesel determines its fuel properties and is considered as a factor affecting its yield. The main objective of the current research work was to compare biodiesel properties obtained from the homogeneous and heterogeneous base catalyst. The properties were compared with ASTM standardized fuel properties to validate its potential as a replacement for diesel. In this study, the base-catalyzed transesterification process was used as a method to produce biodiesel from Jatropha curcas oil. KOH and CaO were used as homogenous and heterogeneous base catalysts. The biodiesel thus obtained is subjected to various characterization techniques such as acid number, fire point, flash point, cloud point, pour point, and also were checked for fluid characteristics like density and specific gravity. The results obtained (Example: Fire point: 126, Specific gravity: 0.87) using KOH catalyst were promising as the values were in line with ASTM standard. Therefore, the major outcome of this research work is that a systematic comparison between two different catalysts has been carried out and it has been observed that KOH is an optimum catalyst that is economical and can be scaled up to produce maximum yield. This process can be considered as a zero-waste process as the by-product (glycerin) can further be considered as a raw material to produce commercial-grade products like bioplastics and soap. The important future prospects of this research work is that., as novel methods are taking centre stage to produce biodiesel through environmentally and economically acceptable processes., the jatropha-based biodiesel using effective base catalyst (KOH) through transesterification process will be taking a centre stage as it is found to be much safer fuel than diesel because of its higher flash point and fire point, decreases the dependence on imported petroleum and increases indigenous energy sufficiency.