Solar irradiation-driven synthesis of biodiesel from composite oil using biomass catalyst and process parameters optimization

Abstract

Developing countries like India are highly dependent on fossil fuels, which constitute about 70% of their total energy needs. However, the availability of fossil fuel resources is constantly declining worldwide due to their abundant usage. In the process of burning fossil fuels, harmful gases are emitted into the atmosphere and pollute the air we breathe. Biodiesel is a clean and promising renewable energy source for meeting future energy demands. In this study, a solar irradiation driven transesterification setup is developed to generate biodiesel from composite oil using a waste eggshell derived catalyst. The aim is to address the techno-economic and sustainability challenges associated with biodiesel production. To perform transesterification experiments, a Taguchi L9 orthogonal design matrix is created. Experimental optimization revealed that the best process variables for producing high yield biodiesel of 90% were 2 wt% catalyst loading, 60 °C thermal state, and a 6:1 composite oil to methyl alcohol ratio in molar. The biodiesel produced underwent testing to assess its physical and chemical properties, following the guidelines outlined in the ASTM D6751 standards. The proposed solar irradiation driven transesterification setup, composite oil, and waste eggshell derived catalyst proved to be an effective and green renewable resource for producing sustainable biodiesel.