Potential of papaya seeds as a heterogenous catalyst in biodiesel synthesis

Abstract

A biomass based low-cost catalyst production has been attempted. This study evaluated papaya seeds as the catalyst precursor for biodiesel synthesis. Dried papaya seed powder was calcined at 500°C for 3 hours to produce papaya seed ash. Then, papaya seed ash was applied as catalyst for transesterification of palm oil and methanol. Catalyst load and reaction time was varied. Papaya seed ash was analyzed by SEM-EDX and biodiesel physical properties was analyzed according to the European standards (EN 14214). SEM-EDX results indicated that papaya seed ash contains a number of minerals such as K2O, MgO and CaO which can function as catalysts in biodiesel synthesis. The produced biodiesel also met European standards. Highest biodiesel yield of 95.6% was obtained for reaction temperature of 60°C, reaction time of 2 hours, catalyst load of 2%, methanol to oil ratio of 12:1. Preliminary research revealed that PSA may be applied as a catalyst in biodiesel synthesis.