Biodiesel Production Research Articles

An economic, and environmentally benign Psidium guajava L. leaves catalyst for biodiesel production at room temperature: Process optimization, and life cycle cost analysis

Biodiesel has emerged as a popular alternative to conventional fossil fuel in transportation sector and thus producing low-cost biodiesel is a topic of interest for a large community of researchers. This study reports the preparation of an efficient and robust heterogeneous catalyst from dried Psidium guajava L. (Guava) leaves and its application towards generation of biodiesel from soybean oil at room temperature. The biomass material was calcinated at variable temperature and the efficiency of each of the catalyst prepared was studied. The catalyst generated as well as the product biodiesel was thoroughly characterized using sophisticated analytical techniques. The catalyst was found to have mesoporous structure with active basic sites which contributed towards accelerating the transesterification process. Detailed characterization unveiled the occurrence of Ca as oxide and carbonate, in addition to a certain quantity of K in oxide and carbonate form, which contribute to the catalyst’s activity. Maximum biodiesel yield of 95.8 % was observed for reaction performed under optimum experimental conditions i.e., 1:17 oil-to-methanol ratio, 6 wt% loading of GL-850 (catalyst prepared by calcination at 850°C), and 15 % n-Hexane loading for 3 h at room temperature. GL-850 demonstrated exceptional recyclability for up to the fifth cycle exhibiting a mere 3.7 % decline in yield. The calculated expense for 1 kg catalyst was found to be $0.478, whereas the production cost of 1 kg biodiesel was found to be merely $1.120, indicating a strong economic feasibility of the process.

Sustainable biodiesel production from Cassia javanica oil with eggshell-derived catalyst: optimization, engine performance, and emission study

ABSTRACT As global energy demand rises, it is crucial to explore sustainable alternatives. Biodiesel emerges as a safe, reusable, and eco-friendly energy source. It offers a greener option to petro-diesel while maintaining reliable performance. This study focuses on producing biodiesel from novel non edible feedstock Cassia javanica seeds. It uses a calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst derived from eggshells. CaO, a highly active base catalyst, was confirmed through various analyses. Using Cassia javanica seed oil as a source of non-edible methyl ester, this study optimizes transesterification parameters. A yield of 90.14% was achieved by transesterifying Cassia javanica oil at 60°C with 2% catalyst and 15:1 methanol to oil ratio. Based on the results, Cassia javanica methyl esters were found to conform to ASTM D6751 and EN 14,214 standard specifications, with kinematic viscosity of 3.556 mm2/s and acid value of 0.41 mg KOH/g, cloud point of −4°C, pour point of −2°C, flash point of 148°C and cetane index of 59 min. The biodiesel properties were also estimated. Tests revealed that blends had lower emissions and improved engine performance compared to pure fuel. Higher blends showed better engine performance. The B20 blend was found to be the most effective. It enhances engine performance and reduces emissions. C. javanica could be a viable source of biodiesel production and engine operation. As a result of sensitivity analyses, NPV varied with feedstock costs and biodiesel selling prices. In India, interventions are needed to make B20 policy based on second-generation technology profitable. The policy with feedstocks from the second generation of technology is technically viable, but interventions are needed to make it economically viable.

The potential of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) in the transesterification of lipids produced by Rhodotorula minuta.

The urgent need to address energy security risks and global warming has led to exploration of renewable energy sources. One such avenue is biodiesel specifically focusing on the potential of Rhodotorula minuta, a type of yeast known for producing lipids that can be used as a sustainable alternative for production of biodiesel. In the current study, this promising yeast was evaluated for its potential to produce lipids. The morphological characterization was carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and intracellular detail was studied by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Changes in content and cellular biomass were monitored at time intervals with the highest biomass yield of 12.4g/l and lipid content of 6.2g/l achieved after 72h. In the present work, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) were synthesized and extensively characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), SEM, TEM, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). By employing response surface methodology (RSM) with Box-Behnken design (BBD), optimal process conditions for transesterification could be determined. The best result achieved was a yield of 88.6% when the conditions were optimized, using methanol to oil ratio of 18:1 and 8% (w/w) amount of catalyst maintaining a reaction temperature of 55°C and allowing the reaction to proceed for 120min.

A CHEMCAD Software Design Approach for Non-Conventional Biodiesel Production Using Methyl Acetate as Feedstock

Biodiesel is a sustainable and renewable fuel generated from renewable resources, including vegetable oil or animal fats. It is thought to be a non-toxic fuel that degrades gradually and causes no harm to the environment. In the present study, a non-conventional supercritical method for industrial biodiesel production is investigated. The non-conventional method refers to a single-step interesterification reaction between triglycerides and methyl acetate resulting in methyl esters of fatty acids and triacetin as a secondary product. Process flowsheet modeling, using CHEMCAD chemical engineering software, was used as an investigation tool. The production capacity was set to 25,000 kg/h biodiesel. Methyl acetate requested in the biodiesel production is produced from methanol esterification with acetic acid using an intensified reactive distillation unit. Methanol, in turn, is obtained using synthetic gas derived from biomass as a raw material, the process representing a new method at the industrial level to solve problems related to the energy that is required, storage and disposal of residual materials, and pollution through the release of pollutants into the air. The methanol synthesis process is similar to the one based on natural gas, consisting of three main steps, namely: (i) synthesis gas production, followed by (ii) methanol production, and (iii) methanol purification. Acetic acid is an essential chemical product, generated in the proposed approach by a sustainable method with low energy consumption and low air emissions, more exactly methanol carbonylation. All the processes previously mentioned: (i) biodiesel production, (ii) methyl acetate production, (iii) acetic acid production, and (iv) methanol production were modeled and simulated, leading to the desired biodiesel productivity (e.g., 25,000 kg/h) with the obtained purity being higher than 99%. Relevant discussions regarding the design assumptions used, the simulation and validation results, as well as other technical issues (i.e., electricity and thermal energy consumption) for the system being simulated, are provided, leading to the conclusion that the proposed route is well suited for the desired application and can deliver significant results. The simulation outcomes have provided confidence in the feasibility and effectiveness of the chosen process design, making it a viable option for further development and implementation.

MILs as Heterogeneous Catalysts for Biodiesel Production

MILs as Heterogeneous Catalysts for Biodiesel Production

Influence of Solid Alkaline Photocatalysts Irradiated with UV Light on Fuel Properties of Palm Oil Biodiesel.

TiO2 nanoparticles are full of porosity that can be impregnated with a strong alkaline catalyst CH3ONa to form a TiO2/CH3ONa catalyst. TiO2 of the anatase phase, which is a semiconductor material, has been a prominent photocatalyst due to its excited photocatalyst activity, chemical and biological stability, and nontoxicity. The CH3ONa compound has been widely used as a catalyst for transesterification. Although the synthesized photocatalyst TiO2 powder with CH3ONa is anticipated to greatly enhance the transesterification efficiency, leading to improving biodiesel properties, relevant studies have not been found. After the photocatalyst was prepared, a reactant mixture of palm oil, methanol, and heterogeneous catalyst TiO2/CH3ONa was illuminated by ultraviolet (UV) light from light-emitting diode (LED) lamps. The experimental results revealed that the formation of fatty acid methyl esters was significantly increased to 98.4% with ultraviolet-light illumination for the molar ratio of methanol/palm oil equal to 6 and 3 wt % catalyst addition. The decrease of the catalyst amount to 2 wt % resulted in a slight decrease of the fatty acid methyl esters to 97.06 wt %. The lowest kinematic viscosity and acid value and the highest distillation temperature, heating value, and cetane index were observed under the above reaction conditions. The distillation temperature and cetane index were increased while the acid value was decreased under ultraviolet illumination on the reactant mixture. Consequently, the optimum preparing conditions for biodiesel production were 6 and 3 wt % for the molar ratio of methanol/palm oil and catalyst addition under UV-light irradiation.

From organic waste to renewable energy: response surface methodology approach for optimized biodiesel production from palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus)

AbstractThis study aimed to improve the production of biodiesel from white palm larvae (WPL) and to evaluate its potential as a feedstock. The larvae were grown using kitchen and palm waste for 21 days, and the crude oil was then extracted. The extracted oil was analyzed for its physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition. The analysis found that the feedstock oil contained a high quantity of monounsaturated fatty acids, indicating its suitability for biodiesel production. To optimize the production process, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed. A central composite design was used to study four operating conditions: temperature, methanol‐to‐oil mole ratio, esterification time, and catalyst loading for esterification, as well as transesterification time and catalyst concentration. The best conditions for esterification were a methanol‐to‐oil ratio of 18:1, a temperature of 70 °C, 120 min of reaction time, and a 4% H2SO4 catalyst. For transesterification, the optimal conditions were a methanol‐to‐oil ratio of 10:1, a temperature of 65 °C, 90 min of reaction time, and a 2% KOH catalyst concentration. The experimental data fit well with models, with significant P‐values and high R2 values. The biodiesel produced under the optimized conditions met the fuel quality standards set by Brazilian, European, and American standards. In conclusion, this study successfully optimized the biodiesel production process from white palm larvae and confirmed its suitability as a feedstock. The feedstock oil had properties that were suitable for biodiesel production, and the optimized conditions resulted in biodiesel that met fuel‐quality standards.

Methyl esters production from Waste Cooking Oil catalysed by iron oxides supported on CaO: Cost and environmental impacts

It was the objective of this work, to assess the midpoint environmental impacts of the catalyst synthesis stage and biodiesel production from waste cooking oil (WCO) as feedstock, depending on the catalyst source, i.e. Fe2O3 or Fe(NO3)3⋅9H2O, lime or waste clam shells, to produce the applied bifunctional catalyst based on iron and CaO. The cost of biodiesel production depending on the catalyst was also established. In the catalyst synthesis stage, the use of clam shells contributed the most to the midpoint environmental categories, mainly terrestrial ecotoxicity, freshwater ecotoxicity, marine ecotoxicity and human non-carcinogenic toxicity. In the stage of biodiesel production (esterification-transesterification reaction), the scenario contributing the lowest (20.95–22.16 %) to the midpoint environmental impacts is when using Fe(NO3)3·9H2O and CaO as iron and lime precursors, respectively. Using waste clam shells increases the environmental impacts. Regarding costs, the clam shells lead to the most expensive process ($0.08 USD/MJ). The source of energy to conduct the biodiesel production was also assessed and it was found that the use of wind turbines leads to the lowest global warming potential (GWP), 11.6 g CO2 eq·MJ-1, with the catalyst prepared with the iron salt and with the CaO from lime. The presented results were obtained with the commercial software SimaPro® version 9.6 PhD. For the inventory, experimental data obtained at laboratory scale and previously published were used.It was concluded that based on environmental impacts and costs, it is recommended to use lime instead of clam shells waste as precursor of CaO and Fe(NO3)3·9H2O as precursor of iron.

Biodiesel production from agricultural biomass wastes: Duroc breed fat oil, Citrillus lanatus rind, and Sorghum Bagasse

This research study synthesized a base catalyst from the waste Citrullus lanatus rind (WCLR) for the synthesis of biodiesel from the waste pig fat oil. The high-acid-value oil (high free fatty acid: FFA) was converted to low-acid-value oil through adsorption in sorghum bagasse ash with high particle sizes. The developed base catalyst was obtained from the WCLR and was characterized via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD-FT), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) adsorption analysis. The properties of biodiesel were compared with the recommended standard.Results reflected that the duroc breed pig fat is rich in oil, and the oil is unsaturated. Sorghum bagasse proved to be a good bio-adsorbent for the unsaturated fat FFA reduction. The catalyst produced from WCLR was found to be rich in potassium-calcium-magnesium (K-Ca-Mg) base salts. The predicted yield of 98.69 % (wt./wt.) at 69.96 min, 79.93 °C, 3.15 % (wt.), and 8.57 (vol.) at desirability of 100 % was validated as 98.52 % (wt./wt.). Catalytic strength can be recycled in five cycles. The cost implications indicated that the cost of producing 25 L of biodiesel is $2.61.This study proved to be the most economical way of producing biodiesel that is environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and easy to produce for future energy needs.•Oil was obtained via rendering from duroc breed waste fat oil.•Sorghum bagasse was used as adsorbent for acid reduction of high FFA pig fat oil.•Base catalyst used was obtained from calcined waste Citrullus lanatus rind.

Comparative Study of Immobilized Biolipasa-R for Second Generation Biodiesel Production from an Acid Oil.

The primary objective of this work is to develop a sustainable biocatalytic transesterification process for low-grade oils, aligning with EU green technology requirements for the shift to second generation biodiesel. Thus, we investigated the immobilization and subsequent application of the lipase Biolipasa-R on transesterification processes to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) from both a sunflower oil and an acid oil which is a bioproduct of the biodiesel industry. The lipase was immobilized on biomaterials, such as diatomaceous earth, with a yield of 60 %, and commercial carriers such as methacrylic resins with a yield of 100 %. The enzyme demonstrated superior activity when immobilized on diatomaceous earth, particularly in reactions involving the acid oil, outperforming the benchmark enzyme Novozym® 435 (95.1 % and 35 % conversion respectively). This work highlights the potential of Biolipasa-R as a cost-effective and efficient biocatalyst for biodiesel production and emphasizes the environmental benefits of utilizing industrial byproducts and eco-friendly immobilization techniques. The findings suggest that Biolipasa-R is a promising candidate for industrial applications in biodiesel production, offering a sustainable solution for waste management and energy generation.

Synthesis and Characterization of Biodiesel from Non-Edible Seed Oils Extracted from Cameroon Bioresources

This work aimed at valorizing non-edible seed oils from some plants found in Cameroon videlicet Acacia hockii (AH), Garcinia livingstonei (GL) and Moringa oleifera (MO), through production of biodiesel. Two extraction methods used were; the Soxhlet extraction and surfactant assisted extraction with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) as surfactant. The extracted oils were characterized using physicochemical parameters. The characterized oils were used to synthesize biodiesels via acid and base catalyzed transesterification reactions. The purification of the biodiesels was done using chromatographic columns. The biodiesels obtained were also characterized using physicochemical analysis in a manner similar to the oils with additional parameters like cold f low properties, f lammability, ignition qualities and cetane number determinations. Qualitative analysis was realized using the Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectrophotometer (FT-IR). The Soxhlet extraction method gave higher yields for all the plants with MO being the highest, compared to the surfactant assisted extractions. The results from the physicochemical properties of the oils were as follows: specific gravity, 0.876 g/mL, 0.843 g/mL and 0.865 g/mL for AH, GL, and MO. The free fatty acid contents of the oils were 0.436% FFA, 0.547% FFA and 1.60% FFA for AH, GL, and MO respectively. The saponification values gave 143.03 mgKOH/g, 72.93 mgKOH/g, 126.22 mgKOH/g for AH, GL and MO in that order. Iodine values for the oils were 46.54 mgI2/g, 22.41 mgI2/g, 68.10 mgI2/g for AH, GL, and MO, respectively. The peroxide values gave 10.05 meq/kg, 8.50 meq/kg, 8.0 meq/kg for AH, GL, and MO, respectively. The kinematic viscosities were 21.0 mm2/s, 22.0 mm2/s and 43.0 mm2/s for AH, GL, and MO, respectively. The acid catalyzed reaction gave greater crude yields of 90.00% for all three plants while the base catalyzed reaction gave, 87.00% (AH), 84.00% (GL) and 74.00% (MO). The purified biodiesel samples had the following acid numbers: 0.028% FFA for BAH, 0.022% FFA for BGL, and 0.028% FFA for BMO. The kinematic viscosities values for biodiesel were 4.00 mm2/s, 4.23 mm2/s, and 5.22 mm2/s for BAH, BGL, and BMO, respectively. The cetane numbers of the synthesized biodiesel samples were 142.73 (BAH), 167.29 (BGL), and 82.40 (BMO). The IR spectra of the biodiesels corroborated the chemical make-up of biodiesel. Hence non-edible seed oils from the Cameroon rich bioresources can be valorized in biodiesel synthesis and other forms of green energy production in Cameroon and beyond.

Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Jatropha Oil and its Impact on Engine Performance and Emissions Using Response Surface Methodology

This study aims to improve biodiesel production by assessing the effects of biodiesel-diesel fuel blends on engine performance and emissions using response surface methodology (RSM). The biodiesel was produced by the transesterification process. Here we see how the molar ratio (A), catalyst quantity (B), reaction temperature (C), and reaction time (D) affect the biodiesel conversion rate. During optimization, a Box-Behnken design (BBD) based on RSM was employed. Ideal conditions for achieving a biodiesel yield of 98.2069% were a B of 0.811601 wt%, a C of 75.8837°C, a D of 98.2069 min, and A of 10935:1. Adjusting parameters like engine speed and biodiesel fuel mix ratio enhanced engine behavior and condensed exhaust emissions. The trials were structured utilizing the central composite design (CCD) technique grounded on RSM. The optimum operating criteria for the engine were evaluated to be a biodiesel ratio of 12.5845% and speed of engine is 2011.24 rpm. Under these conditions, the power output was 50.0817kW, torque was 254.757 Nm, smoke opacity was 6.48966%, CO emissions were 270.009 ppm, and NOx emissions were 819.573 ppm.

Utilization of opium poppy seed oil for biodiesel production: A parametric characterization and statistical optimization

Consuming traditional petroleum-derived diesel fuel has long been associated with issues such as the depletion of natural energy resources. To solve these challenges, an alternate source like as biodiesel is an appealing option. Seed oils have long been recognized as an abundant and diverse source of biodiesel. In this study, poppy seed oil from the poppy (Papaver somniferum) was investigated for biodiesel production. Poppy seed biodiesel was generated and refined using acid-pretreated esterification with sulphuric acid prior to transesterification, as well as single-step alkaline catalyzed transesterification with methanol and potassium hydroxide. Finally, the percentage yield was compared. Using Statistica, the Box-Behnken design was applied to optimize process variables like time, temperature, catalyst concentration, and methanol-oil ratio to produce maximum yield. The relationship of process variables was also shown with the help of the Response Surface Methodology. A maximum yield of 94.87 % was obtained at optimized conditions, i.e., 90min reaction time, 60 °C of temperature, 0.25 mg of catalyst concentration, and 3v/v% alcohol-oil ratio. The fuel properties of biodiesel produced, such as acid value, moisture content, saponification value, iodine value, specific gravity, percentage of free fatty acids, refractive index, viscosity, boiling point, and peroxide value, were measured and compared with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6751 and European Standards (EN) 14214. Further results were studied and discussed using Fourier Transfer Infrared (FTIR) analysis, which showed maximum similarity of raw material to formed biodiesel. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed to identify and quantify various fatty acid methyl esters. The results obtained were in accordance with various international standards for biodiesel fuel. Thus, poppy seeds can be used to obtain biodiesel.

Sustainable Biodiesel Production via Biogenic Catalyzed Transesterification of Baobab Oil Methyl Ester and Optimization Process

Biomass diesel is one of the sustainable and renewable sources of energy envisaged to hold a prominent position in the world energy infrastructure. In this study, biodiesel was production from baobab seed oil by transesterification using biogenic heterogeneous catalyst, derived from mixed wastes of white chicken eggshells and banana fruit peels. The production process was analyzed and statistically analyzed using Box-Behnken Design-Response Surface Methodology (BBD-RSM). The influential transesterification reaction parameters investigated with their ranges include reaction time (40–80 min), molar ratio of oil to methanol (1:9–1:15) and catalyst weight (3–5 wt%). The nano-catalyst (CaO-BFP-850 NPs) was prepared by calcination at high temperature of 850 °C for 4 h, and its properties were found to contain majorly the basic elements of Ca and K when investigated with analytical instruments such as SEM, EDS, DSC-TGA, FT-IR, and XRD. The regeneration test of the CaO-BFP-850 NPs conducted showed it could be reused for more than four cycles with less catalytic efficiency reduction. The ideal conditions instituted by BBD-RSM was 75 min of reaction time, 12.8:1 molar ratio of oil to methanol, and 4.08 wt% CaO-BFP-850 at 65 °C and 650 rpm constant temperature and agitation speed respectively, with the validated biodiesel yield of 96.70 wt%. The assessment of the quality of the biodiesel produced showed compliance with the standard specifications of ASTM D6751, EN 14241, and SANS 833.

CCD-RSM optimization of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil using Angulyagra oxytropis and Bellamya crassa snail shell-based heterogeneous catalysts

In the present study, labuk tharoi (Angulyagra oxytropis), and ningkhabi tharoi (Bellamya crassa) were utilized to produce CaO catalyst for biodiesel production using waste cooking oil (WCO). The snail shells were calcined at a temperature of 800−1000℃ for 4 h and characterized using XRD, FTIR, BET, SEM, and EDX analysis. Central composite design-response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) was employed, and the input parameters considered for optimization were (i) catalyst calcination temperature (800−1000℃), (ii) methanol: oil ratio (molar) (6:1−12:1), (iii) catalyst loading (3−7 wt.%), and (iv) reaction temperature (55−75℃). A quadratic regression model was aliased by CCD-RSM with R2 values of 0.9291 and 0.976 for waste cooking oil methyl ester-labuk tharoi (WCOME-LT), and waste cooking oil methyl ester-ningkhabi tharoi (WCOME-NT) models indicating a good fit. An optimum biodiesel yield of (95.87, 95.91 %) was obtained at catalyst calcination temperature (891, 886℃), methanol to oil molar ratio (9.89:1, 9.67:1), catalyst loading weight % (7, 7 wt.%), and reaction temperature (75, 75℃) for WCOME-LT and WCOME-NT model respectively. The calcination temperature has a major impact on the biodiesel yield as per analysis of variance. The catalyst reusability was up to four cycles with a biodiesel yield of more than 83 %.

Direct application of tungstosilicic acid hydrate for the treatment of high free fatty acid in acidic crude palm oil and for biodiesel production

AbstractThis study explored the use of industrial acidic crude palm oil (ACPO) for biodiesel production, facing a significant obstacle due to its high free fatty acid (FFA) content, which complicates the biodiesel production process. Typically, esterification is employed to convert FFAs into fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). Herein, the effectiveness of tungstosilicic acid hydrate (TSAH) as an unsupported heteropoly acid (HPA) catalyst for FFA esterification in ACPO was investigated. The FFA content was reduced from 8.43% to 0.95% under optimum conditions (4 wt% catalyst dosage, a methanol to oil molar ratio of 10:1, 150 min and a temperature of 60°C). Noteworthy, the TSAH catalyst showed stability over 7 cycles. The kinetic analysis revealed that the FFA esterification process closely followed pseudo first‐order kinetics, with an R2 value of 0.94. Furthermore, the biodiesel produced from TSAH‐treated ACPO meets the standard specifications outlined by ASTM D6751 and EN 14214. This research highlights the effectiveness of TSAH in catalyzing FFA esterification without the need for additional support materials or modifications.

Physiological response and carbon dioxide sequestration mechanisms during photosynthesis in Mychonastes rotundus

Carbon sequestration by microalgae is a simple and easy-to-operate process, without secondary pollution that has broad application prospects due to rapid growth, efficient photosynthesis, and high lipid content produced. In this study, the potential of Mychonastes rotundus for CO2 fixation, and its growth pattern, enzyme activity, lipid production, and cellular microstructure were investigated with changes in CO2 input. The results showed that when the inlet CO2 concentration was 20% (v/v), stable carbon sequestration ability was obtained after a 590 min reaction with an outlet CO2 concentration of 0.32%. The algal cellular structure was intact when the lowest contents of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were 7.08 and 17.79 nmol/mg, respectively, indicating the highest cell activity. In addition, 20% CO2 effectively promoted the synthesis of C18:2n6c and C20:0 in M. rotundus. When the inlet CO2 concentration was increased to 30%, the average pH dropped to 5.7, resulting in the death of M. rotundus. 1O2 was identified as the major ROS damaging microalgal cells during carbon sequestration. This study determined the optimal CO2 concentration for carbon capture by M. rotundus as a raw material for biodiesel production. The results indicate that M. rotundus is a promising microalgae for carbon fixation and CO2 capture of power plant flue gas and biodiesel production for low-cost bioenergy production.

Biodiesel Production from Edible Oil Using Heteropoly Acid Catalysts at Room Temperature

Edible oils are one of the renewable sources that enable the possibility of producing biodiesel sustainably. The transesterification of canola oil with methanol using cesium-modified phosphotungstic acid (Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40) as a heterogeneous catalyst was studied. Reaction conditions, specifically reaction time, catalyst loading, and the ratio of methanol to canola oil, were systematically explored. The canola oil conversion reached 55% at room temperature after 24 h. The reusability tests showed that the conversion of canola oil to biodiesel was maintained.

A Comprehensive Review of the Impact of Nano-Catalysts on Biodiesel Production

A Comprehensive Review of the Impact of Nano-Catalysts on Biodiesel Production

A network design of a canola-to-biodiesel supply chain by considering the water-energy-food-land-ecosystem-undesirable climate change nexus

Global warming, adverse environmental consequences, and the rapid depletion of oil resources are some of the critical challenges that humanity presently confronts due to the utilization of fossil fuels. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources of energy such as biofuel is crucial for a clean environment. In addition to its numerous advantages, the production of biofuels has detrimental effects on natural resources as well. Water, energy, food, and land are all required to produce food and energy, which are inextricably linked as the essential inputs for agriculture and fuel production. Undesirable climate change and its impacts on ecosystems are also consequences of this process. This study offers a two-phase approach to designing a canola-to-biodiesel supply chain. The first phase is concerned with finding appropriate sites for canola cultivation in accordance with climatic, social, economic and design criteria. To achieve an ideal solution, the fuzzy best-worst method andthe fuzzy technique of order preference similarity to the ideal solution are simultaneously used. In the second phase, a new multi-objective integer programming model that involves a water-energy-food-land-ecosystem-undesirable climate change nexus is introduced. The suggested model enhances crop harvest from desirable agricultural areas, maximizes the profit, preserves ecosystem values, mitigates undesirable climate changes, and reduces water and energy consumption. An interactive fuzzy method is used to solve the model, and the efficiency of the proposed model is evaluated through a real case study for Iran. Sensitivity analyses are also performed on the key parameters. According to the findings, production activities are connected with the increase of network costs, adverse changes in climate, and increased use of energy. Thus, using high-yield catalysts, increasing the production scale, complying with environmental regulations, receiving government subsidies, investing in research to improve production technologies, and identifying cost-saving strategies can minimize harmful environmental effects and reduce biodiesel production costs, thereby boosting the profit. Furthermore, given Iran’s water scarcity and reduced rainfall, increasing the canola yield per hectare might lead to less land use and water consumption for irrigation. Utilizing specialized machinery, enhancing farmers’ skills in canola cultivation, supplying seeds on time, planting promptly, providing optimal nutrition, and promoting pest management are all effective methods to boost canola yields. The insights provided in this study can help managers in the canola-based biodiesel production sector make better decisions.