Optimizing Biodiesel Production from Hazelnut kernel oil and waste cooking oil with CaO catalyst Using RSM Approach

Abstract

This study focused on optimizing biodiesel (BD) production from the hazelnut kernel oil and waste cooking oil using Box Behnken Design in Response Surface Methodology (RSM- BBD). The process was improved by employing CaO as a catalyst, with four variables including reaction temperature (50 to 70 °C), CaO catalyst concentration (2 to 6 wt%), stirring speed (300 to 500 rpm), and methanol-to-oil molar ratio (5:1 to 15:1). Through RSM-BBD, the optimal conditions for achieving maximum biodiesel yield were found to be a temperature of 50 °C, catalyst of 2 wt%, stirring speed of 500 rpm, and a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 10:1. These conditions caused in a biodiesel yield of 94.85%. The findings established that biodiesel derived from hazelnut kernel oil and the waste cooking oil not only presented a sustainable alternative to conventional fuels but also chances ASTM and EN biodiesel standards, making it suitable for industrial production.