State-of-the-art novel catalyst synthesized from waste rice husk and eggshells for cleaner biodiesel production

Abstract

Biodiesel is a popular alternative useful fuel due to its low environmental impact. Herein, we developed new heterogeneous catalysts from waste-materials, rice husk and eggshells, and utilized for the biodiesel-making process. Apricot seeds are widely accessible around the world and are used as an oil feedstock to produce biodiesel, an ecologically beneficial fuel. Modified silica dioxide (obtained from rice husk) and calcium oxide (obtained from calcining eggshells) are used to make synthetic catalysts, with both materials being impregnated to increase their activity. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy techniques utilized to evaluate the catalysts. Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy identified the components in biodiesel and raw apricot oil by retention duration and area peaks. The parametric research was performed to optimize the reaction conditions, the biodiesel synthesis is greatest at 55 to 65 °C, 90 min, 25 methanol to oil molar ratio, 3 wt.% catalyst loading, and 90% yield. The biodiesel’s fuel characteristics and industry standards (ASTM6751 & EN14214) proved that it might be a renewable fuel. Furthermore, it discovered that the catalyst could be reprocessed up to five times without losing substantial activity. This research suggests that waste-derived catalysts can be used to make commercial biodiesel.