Potential For Biodiesel Production Research Articles

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens): Driving circular agriculture through organic waste recovery

The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens has gained global attention for its diverse applications, particularly its efficiency in organic waste conversion, achieving 50-70 % waste reduction. The larvae produce high-value biomass containing 30-57 % protein and 21-42 % lipids, making them an excellent protein-rich feed ingredient. Additionally, BSF shows strong potential for biodiesel production, with conversion yields reaching up to 94 %. Key biological traits such as global adaptability, rapid development and efficient feed conversion make BSF suitable for scalable farming. Recent advances in genetic research, microbiome optimization and selective breeding are examined, highlighting their potential to enhance productivity and adaptability. The environmental and economic advantages of BSF-based bioconversion systems such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, effective nutrient recycling and job creation; especially in developing regions are also discussed. Despite its promise, challenges persist, including the need for genetic diversity conservation, consistent regulatory policies and increased public acceptance. Future research priorities include optimizing organic waste substrates, developing targeted breeding strategies and exploring novel applications such as antimicrobial peptide production, chitin recovery and pigment extraction. In addition, progress in automation and bioprocessing technologies can significantly boost operational efficiency and scalability. By integrating innovation and encouraging cross-sector collaboration, BSF-based solutions can play a vital role in advancing global sustainability, food and feed security and environmental resilience.

Influence of nitrogen variation and 15% CO2 injection on wax ester production in Euglena gracilis isolated from Dieng Peatland, Indonesia

ABSTRACT Biodiesel production requires alternative feedstocks that are both renewable and environmentally friendly. Euglena gracilis is a microorganism capable of producing wax esters, which show strong potential as alternative fuels due to their high productivity. Wax esters from E. gracilis also hold significant promise as raw materials in the pharmaceutical, health, and cosmetic industries. This study aimed to increase wax ester production in E. gracilis through nitrogen variation (1000, 500, 200, 0 mg l−1) and 15% CO₂ injection. Results showed that a nitrogen concentration of 500 mg l−1 yielded the highest biomass (3400 ± 0.000 mg l−1), carbohydrate (180 ± 16.782 mg l−1), lipid (255 ± 21.213 mg l−1), paramylon (151 ± 51.055 mg l−1), chlorophyll a (5.29 ± 0.0002 × 10−3 mg l−1), chlorophyll b (0.70 ± 0.0002 × 10−3 mg l−1), carotenoid (0.71 ± 0.084 × 10−3 mg l−1), and wax ester (16.88 ± 0.01%). At 500 mg l−1 nitrogen, E. gracilis also produced myristic acid methyl esters and palmitic acid, which are key biodiesel precursors. Under the same condition, E. gracilis produced the highest levels of diatoxanthin, trans-diatoxanthin, dinoxanthin, lutein, phaeophytin-a, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, all-trans-zeaxanthin, phaeophytin-b, 9’-cis-neoxanthin, and violaxanthin. Modifying nitrogen concentrations and injecting CO₂ can increase lipid and wax ester levels in E. gracilis without reducing biomass growth, supporting its potential for biodiesel production.

Advanced reactor design for biodiesel synthesis: evaluating a smooth periodic constriction reactor with sunflower oil and eggshell-derived CaO

Depleting fossil fuels and growing environmental pressures highlight the need for sustainable, renewable energy. Biodiesel, a biodegradable and eco-friendly fuel, is a viable solution, but its production faces challenges, including lengthy reaction times, high methanol consumption, and reliance on chemically homogeneous catalysts. This study investigates optimizing biodiesel production in a smooth periodic constriction (SPC) reactor by analyzing the effects of residence time, temperature, molar ratio, and catalyst concentration on conversion efficiency. The SPC reactor’s oscillatory flow and periodic constrictions enhance mixing, improving mass transfer and reaction kinetics. Using response surface methodology (RSM), the following optimal conditions were determined: 51.08 °C, 26 min, 7.1:1 molar ratio, and 5.82% catalyst concentration, yielding a 91.94% conversion efficiency. These conditions surpass conventional reactors, which require 60–100 °C and hours-long processes, reducing energy consumption. The biodiesel met most American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6751 standards, with minor deviations in water content and iodine value. With sunflower oil as feedstock, the SPC reactor proved highly efficient under milder conditions, highlighting its potential for energy-efficient biodiesel production. Furthermore, eggshell-based CaO catalysts promote sustainability by transforming waste into valuable catalytic material, supporting greener energy production and advancing environmentally responsible fuel alternatives.

Enhancing sustainability in meat production through insect biorefinery

Valuable feed crops and fossil fuel energy are used to produce animal meat. To become sustainable, meat production methods must adapt to include non-food substrates and renewable fossil-fuel alternatives. We evaluated the potential of protein livestock feed and biodiesel production through insect biorefining. The bioconversion efficiency of organic waste into black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) biomass was 32.0–35.8% after 24 d. The protein and lipid composition of BSFL changed with the cultivation time. The substrate influenced lipid content, and low lipid content led to lower lipid accumulation in the BSFL. Nevertheless, the potential productivity of proteins (42,471–48,345 kg ha−1 y−1) and lipids (41,642–64,708 kg ha−1 y−1) from BSFL cultivation with organic waste was higher than that of conventional livestock feed/biodiesel feedstocks, such as maize or soybean. In conclusion, insect biorefineries using BSFL can contribute significantly to the establishment of sustainable meat production.

Environmental applications of pistachio waste: A review.

A tremendous quantity of pistachio waste is produced worldwide annually, offering both environmental challenges and opportunities. This agricultural by-product can be repurposed in various forms, including sieved pistachio shells, pistachio-derived biochar, or in combination with other materials for diverse environmental applications. Notably, pistachio waste can be converted into materials with a high surface area and porous structure, primarily used as adsorbents for removing various pollutants such as dyes, pharmaceutical agents, heavy metals, and greenhouse gases. The adsorption process involves utilizing pistachio waste in different forms such as powder, biochar, or activated carbon, and in conjunction with nanomaterials like TiO2 nanoparticles. Research indicates that pistachio waste enhances compost quality by reducing the C/N ratio, improving plant germination, and enhancing phosphorus accessibility for plants in arid regions. Moreover, studies evaluating the partial substitution of animal feed with pistachio waste show promising results in terms of digestibility, immune response enhancement, and growth rate in animals. With its high potassium and calcium content, the conversion of pistachio waste into high surface area materials serves as a catalyst for photocatalytic pollutant degradation and as a promoter for catalytic efficiency in various processes. Furthermore, the pyrolysis products of pistachio waste exhibit significant potential for biodiesel production, with studies showcasing its viability as a sustainable fuel source through parameters like a higher heating value, low activation energy, and reduced gas emissions. This review comprehensively discusses recent advancements in utilizing pistachio waste for environmental applications, emphasizing its versatility and promising benefits in waste management and resource utilization.

Genome-wide characterization and expression profiling of MADS-box family genes during organ development and drought stress in Camelina sativa L

Camelina sativa stands out among oilseed crops due to its remarkable resilience to challenging environmental conditions and its significant potential for biodiesel production. The MADS-box transcription factors play a pivotal role in numerous biological processes within plants, encompassing growth, development, and responses to environmental stressors. In this research, by employing the BLAST, we have successfully identified 325 MADS-box genes within Camelina sativa genome. These genes were systematically categorized into two principal groups: type I (comprising Mα, Mβ, and Mγ) and type II (including MI-KCC and MIKC*) predicated upon their phylogenetic relationships, structural protein motifs, and exon-intron configurations. Our findings reveal that type II MADS-box genes have, in general, experienced a more profound expansion relative to type I genes. Specifically, the TM3 subgroup within type II MADS-box genes exhibited the highest degree of gene expansion, comprising 21 TM3 genes. The amino acid sequences encoded by these genes exhibited a length variation ranging from 150 to 820 aa. The predicted molecular weights (MW) of the CsMADS-box proteins displayed a range from 17.01 to 94.06 kDa, while the isoelectric points (pI) were observed to span from 4.13 to 10.09. Evolutionary analysis predicated on the Ka/Ks ratios indicates that the evolutionary pathway of MADS-box genes in Camelina sativa has been predominantly driven by the mechanisms of purifying selection. Moreover, an investigation of cis-acting elements has elucidated the participation of MADS-box genes in the adaptive responses to abiotic stressors. The expression profiles of six Type I and three MIKCC genes across diverse organs and under varying drought treatment conditions demonstrated that these genes are expressed in both reproductive and vegetative structures, displaying uniform expression patterns throughout several developmental phases of flowering. The expression levels of CsMADS035, CsMADS115, CsMADS131, and CsMADS181 were notably modified in reaction to drought stress conditions. The detailed annotation and comprehensive transcriptome profiling provided in this research yield essential insights into the functional roles that MADS-box genes perform in stress resistance, as well as their contributions to growth and developmental processes. This acquired understanding establishes a foundational framework for the functional characterization and potential genetic engineering initiatives pertaining to Camelina sativa, thereby augmenting the prospective application of these candidate genes.

Biodiesel Produced from Sunflower Oil via Heterogeneous Catalysts of Calcium Oxide Prepared from Eggshells Loaded on Barium Oxide

In recent years, interest in converting vegetable oils into biodiesel as an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels has increased. Sunflower oil is a vegetable oil that has great potential for biodiesel production. This work explores the use of eggshell-derived calcium oxide along with barium oxide as a heterogeneous catalyst for sunflower oil-based biodiesel generation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and feasibility of this catalyst combination in biodiesel synthesis. Experimental tests are conducted to analyze the reaction parameters, including the reaction time, catalyst loading, and temperature, to optimize the biodiesel production process. The properties of the resulting biodiesel are analyzed and compared with standard specifications to assess its quality. The use of heterogeneous catalysts derived from BaO/CaO has shown promising results in transesterification reactions for sunflower oil. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the potential implementation of these catalyst systems for environmentally friendly biodiesel production.

Effect of macronutrient deprivation on growth and nutrition of Jatropha curcas seedlings

Jatropha curcas is a plant species of high potential for biodiesel production. However, there is little information related to the production of seedlings of the species, mainly on nutrition and the effect of nutrient omission. Thus, the present work had for objective to evaluate the omission of macronutrients on the growth, production of biomass, morphologic relations and nutrition of seedlings of J. curcas seedlings. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a randomized block design with eight treatments and four replications, totaling 32 experimental units. The treatments consisted of: Complete (presence of all macronutrients); Control (omission of all macronutrients) and omission, respectively, of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S. At 178 days after sowing growth, biomass production, quality and nutrition of J. curcas were evaluated. Seedlings of J. curcas were highly dependent on N, since without application of N (-N), the plants showed lower height growth (52.3 and 46.8%), total biomass production (55.3 and 53.9%) and a tendency to reduce quality (36.0 and 39.9%), compared to, respectively, -Ca and -Mg. Seedlings of -Ca and -Mg showed, respectively, 72.8% and 74.8% higher relative growth of roots than Complete. Macronutrients omission promoted different changes in concentration (between 21.9 and 423.3%, respectively, P and K) and content (between 53.9 and 522.0%, respectively, P and K) of minerals in shoot of seedlings, in comparison of complete treatment. The restriction order caused by nutrients omission in total biomass production of seedlings was: N > P > K > S > Mg > Ca.

Copper Benzene‐1,3,5‐Tricarboxylate Metal‐Organic Framework Performance as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Biodiesel Production

ABSTRACTThe increasing demand for sustainable fuels has driven extensive research into biodiesel production, which typically relies on the use of active catalysts to facilitate the transesterification of oils. While homogeneous catalysts are commonly employed, they pose challenges in terms of recyclability and environmental impact, leading to growing interest in heterogeneous catalysts. Among these, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained attention due to their high surface area and tuneable properties. This study investigates the performance of a copper benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate (CuBTC) MOF as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production. CuBTC was synthesised via solvothermal method and thoroughly characterised using scanning electron microscopy to examine the morphology, powder X‐ray diffraction to determine the crystalline structure, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to identify the functional groups. The synthesised CuBTC has an octahedral morphology and successfully catalysed biodiesel production with unsaturated fatty acids within the C16 to C18 range, achieving a yield of 78.6% using 1 wt.% CuBTC and a 10:1 methanol‐to‐oil molar ratio. The iodine value of the produced biodiesel was 59.3 g I/g, and the higher heating value was 39.2 MJ/kg. Recycled CuBTC maintained its efficacy, yielding 76.6% and 63.4% fatty acid methyl esters in the first and second recycling runs, respectively, with 16.6% and 15.3% of C16 to C18 fatty acids. The produced biodiesel met quality standards outlined in EN 14214, highlighting CuBTC's potential for sustainable biodiesel production.

First report of Curvularia chiangmaiensis causing leaf spot in elephant grass in Brazil.

Elephant grass, Cenchrus purpureus, exhibits high efficiency in sequesting atmospheric CO2 during photosynthesis, leading to significant biomass production. As a C4 plant, it holds immense potential for alternative biodiesel production and serves as fresh feed for cattle (Negawo et al. 2018). Field observations in commercial pastures planted with elephant grass, located in the Brazilian cerrado, revealed necrotic leaf spots with a brownish center and a yellowish halo, reaching a severity of 30 to 50% between 2022 and 2023 in Palmas (10°24'08"S 48°21'45" W) and Gurupi (11°46'21"S 49°02'08" W), municipalities located in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. In both years, the field incidence of the disease on young and mature leaves approached 100% during the rainy season. Affected leaves were collected, packed in a thermal box, and taken to the phytopathology laboratory. The 198 leaves were sanitised in 1% hypochlorite for 30 seconds and washed thrice in sterile water. Upon sanitisation, leaf tissues were cut and cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium and incubated in a controlled chamber (BOD) at 28°C with a 12-hour photoperiod. Colonies exhibited a greyish colour with whitish edges, and the top plate was brownish, growing to a diameter of 5 cm over seven days. The colonies obtained from monosporic cultures formed curved conidia, predominantly with three septa, of a brownish colour, with lengths ranging from (7 µm to 14 µm and widths from 5 µm to 7 µm. (N=-50, Fig 1) (Yasanthika et al. 2023). The UFTCC01 isolate's DNA was extracted using the extraction kit (PROMEGA ®), amplified for genes (ITS, Gapdh and Tefα1), sequenced (OR345316.1, OR344427.1 and OR344428.1) and compared in BLASTn at Gen Bank deposited sequences. Phylogenetic analysis using the parsimony method in MEGA X identified the isolate as Curvularia chiangmaiensis, showing 99.5% identity with reference sequences (MN215651.1, MN264085.1, and MN263942.1). Concatenated region comparison revealed 94% similarity to sequences (OP564987.1 and MF490814.1) in the phylogenetic tree, confirming the species. The pathogenicity test used 60 seedlings of 50-day-old elephant grass, 30 of which were inoculated with a spore suspension (3.0 × 106 spores/mL) and 30 with sterile water. The solutions were sprayed twice. Only plants inoculated with the spore suspension exhibited symptoms akin to those observed in the field. Then, the fungus was reisolated from the lesions and Koch's postulates were confirmed twice.Previous studies have documented the C. chiangmaiensis pathogenicity in other grasses, such as maise in Thailand (Marin et al. 2017). Our studies constitute the first report of C. chiangmaiensis causing leaf spots on elephant grass in the Brazil.

Novel sustainable biodiesel production from low-grade oleic acid via esterification catalyzed by characterized crystalline ZrO2/Al2O3

The depletion of fossil fuels and growing environmental concerns necessitate the exploration of renewable energy sources. Biodiesel, a promising alternative fuel derived from sustainable feedstock, has attracted considerable attention. This study investigates the catalytic esterification of oleic acid, a readily available fatty acid, with ethanol for biodiesel production using a novel heterogeneous catalyst, ZrO2/Al2O3. Crystalline ZrO2/Al2O3 was successfully synthesized and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature programmed desorption NH3-TPD to understand its structural and textural properties. The characterized ZrO2/Al2O3 was then employed to catalyze the esterification reaction. The influence of reaction parameters, including temperature, alcohol-to-oleic acid molar ratio, and catalyst loading, was systematically evaluated. Under optimal conditions (70 °C, 10:1 alcohol-to-oleic acid molar ratio, and 4 wt% catalyst loading), a remarkable 90.5% conversion of oleic acid to biodiesel was achieved. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited reusability, demonstrating its potential for sustainable biodiesel production from low-grade oleic acid feedstock.

Characterization of zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF-8) catalyst for potential biodiesel production from waste cooking oil (WCO)

Heteropoly acids (HPAs) catalysts prove effective in waste cooking oil biodiesel production, considering their high density of Brønsted acidic sites, exhibit significant resilience to elevated levels of free fatty acid (FFA) and moisture content. However, the separation of HPA catalysts after biodiesel production is challenging due to their homogeneous catalytic nature. This study aims to develop magnetic vanadium-substituted HPAbased ZIF-8 composites to create a catalyst for biodiesel production from WCO that is more efficient and easier to separate. In this work, a range of analytical methods was utilized to characterize the catalyst, such as Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), highresolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The successful incorporation of HPA acid into the magnetite ZIF-8 nanocomposite was indicated by prominent bands in the FTIR analysis, and this formation was further validated by EDX analysis. The VSM results also revealed that the nanocomposite has good magnetic responsiveness, facilitating catalyst separation and recycling. The magnetic ZIF-8 composites functionalized with H6PV3MoW8O40 demonstrated significant potential for sustainable biodiesel production from WCO.

Application of response surface methodology to optimize the treatment process of high conversion of free fatty acids using (1R)-(-)-camphor-10-sulfonic acid and iron(III) sulphate

This study investigates biodiesel production from acidic crude palm oil using one homogeneous catalyst, (1R)-(-)-camphor-10-sulfonic acid (10-CSA), and one heterogeneous catalyst, iron(III) sulphate, focusing on their catalytic activity, recyclability, and process optimisation by using response surface methodology. Optimal conditions were identified by utilising a Box-Behnken factorial design. For 10-CSA, the optimised conditions yielded a free fatty acid (FFA) reduction to 0.43 wt.%, with a catalyst dosage of 1.5 wt.% (investigated range: 1.0-2.0 wt.%), methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 12.67:1 (investigated range: 10 to 14:1), reaction temperature of 59.6 ?C (investigated range: 50 to 65 ?C), and reaction time of 33.1 min (investigated range: 30 to 40 min). For iron(III) sulphate, the optimised conditions led to FFA reduction to 1.04 wt.%, with a catalyst dosage of 3.14 wt.% (investigated range: 2.5 to 3.5 wt.%), methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 12:1 (investigated range: 10 to 14:1), reaction temperature of 60 ?C (investigated range: 55 to 70 ?C), and reaction time of 178.6 min (investigated range: 150 to 180 min). Results of the ANOVA analysis confirmed the significance of key factors for both catalysts (p < 0.05), with R? values of 0.937 for 10-CSA and 0.916 for iron(III) sulphate, indicating strong model fits. The mean relative percent deviation (MRPD) was <5 % for both models, demonstrating high predictive accuracy. The lack of fit was found to be insignificant (p > 0.05), confirming the adequacy of the models. Both catalysts achieved high FFA conversions of 95.2 % for 10-CSA and 88.2 % for iron(III) sulphate, which meets the EN 14214 and ASTM D6751 standards. Notably, 10-CSA exhibited superior catalytic activity and recyclability, highlighting its potential for industrial-scale biodiesel production. This study offers practical insights into optimising esterification processes for biodiesel production from acidic crude palm oil.

An Experimental Study on Microalgae Oil Extraction Through Ultrasound-assisted Algasonic Machine

The rise in fuel consumption has led to a renewable energy crisis, highlighting the importance of finding alternatives to fossil fuels, such as biodiesel. Microalgae, recognized as a promising oil source, plays a pivotal role in third-generation biodiesel. However, efficient, eco-friendly methods are needed to extract oil from microalgae. Among the various techniques, the ultrasound method has shown notable effectiveness in disrupting microalgae cell walls, enabling oil release. Despite its success, its high cost remains a significant challenge. To address this issue, an innovative microalgae oil-extraction machine was developed. The machine incorporates a 40 kHz ultrasound transducer, heater, and automatic control panel. Tests indicated an energy consumption cost of approximately Rp 1,000.00 per process. Using this system, oil yields were achieved at 19.25% oil yield from Chlorella vulgaris with a 3.24% Free Fatty Acid (FFA) level, making it suitable for biodiesel. Similarly, Nannochloropsis oculata yielded 23.07% oil with a 1.79% FFA level, also suitable for biodiesel. Overall, the Nannochloropsis oculata strain demonstrated the highest potential for biodiesel production, with optimal extraction occurring within 180 minutes. This research highlights the potential of ultrasound technology in microalgae oil extraction for biodiesel, offering a cost-effective and a sustainable approach to addressing the energy crisis.

Biodiesel Production from Waste Animal Fats: Marketable Products, their Potential, Challenges, and Opportunities

The volatility in global fuel prices and the desire to reduce dependence on fossil fuels necessitate the acceleration of alternative energy sources. The urgent global need to reduce CO2 and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuel usage, alongside the United Nations' mandate for sustainably produced energy in transport, industry, and power generation, calls for innovative energy solutions that minimize environmental impact. This paper explores waste animal fats (WAFs) biodiesel as a viable alternative to meet fuel demands in the transport sector, industry, and communities, and where feasible, for power generation. The biodiesel can be blended with fossil diesel in approved ratios as stipulated by the national and international regulatory bodies. Focusing on biodiesel production potential, the study employs a two-step process involving esterification using sulphuric acid as a catalyst and subsequent transesterification with sodium hydroxide in methanol. The esterification produces esters and water, while transesterification yields biodiesel and glycerol. The feedstocks consist of waste animal fats from cattle, pigs, and chickens discarded from meat processing and slaughterhouses, chosen based on the highest reared and slaughtered animal populations. Data on livestock populations is sourced from the local animal’s census records. The study aims to: Explore the economic potential of biodiesel production Examine the marketable products of the biodiesel production industry Determine the challenges and opportunities in biodiesel production Further ascertain that full-scale biodiesel production could contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Hence the need to critically explore this potential.

MXene/SrTiO3 Heterostructure for FAME Synthesis from the Non-Edible Feedstock Oil Silybum marianum

This study presents the production of FAMEs from non-edible Silybum marianum oil using a catalyst consisting of an MXene/SrTiO3 composite. The primary aim of this study was to reduce our reliance on petroleum-based fuels by harnessing non-edible oil sources. The catalyst, once prepared, achieved an impressive conversion rate of 98.8%. The optimal parameters for this catalytic conversion included a 7 wt% catalyst concentration, a 1:12 molar ratio of oil to methanol, a 100 min reaction time, and a reaction temperature of 60 °C. These parameters ensured the successful completion of the FAME conversion process. The physicochemical properties of Silybum marianum oil confirmed its suitability as a biodiesel source on an industrial scale. The verification of the synthesized MXene/SrTiO3 catalyst was conducted via XRD, SEM, EDX, and BET, and synthesized biodiesel was confirmed via 1H and 13C-NMR, FTIR, and GC-MS. These results indicate that the catalyst described in this study exhibits significant potential for cost-effective biodiesel production under the appropriate reaction conditions.

Biodiesel Production by Supercritical Methanol from Jojoba Seeds Harvested in the Mesaoria Plain of Cyprus

Nowadays, interest in renewable energy sources such as biodiesel is increasing due to the limited resources and environmental impacts of fossil fuels. Jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis) is one of the oilseeds with significant potential for biodiesel production. This study investigates the viability of producing biodiesel from jojoba oil extracted from plants grown in the Mesaoria Plain of Cyprus. The Mesaoria Plain, with its favorable climate for jojoba cultivation, presents an ideal location for investigating the usability of this biodiesel feedstock. Supercritical methanol, known for its efficiency in transesterification reactions, offers a novel approach to converting jojoba oil into biodiesel. Through analysis and experiments, this work assesses the crucial variables—temperature, pressure, and reaction time—involved in the supercritical methanol process. Furthermore, the quality attributes of the biodiesel produced, like its fatty acid methyl ester content, viscosity, density, and cetane number, were determined in compliance with international biodiesel standards. In the supercritical methanol transesterification at 240°C and 8.3 MPa, the % achieved conversion in a separate portion of fatty acid esters was 97.8 %. The findings of this research contribute valuable insights into the potential of jojoba-derived biodiesel as a sustainable energy solution in Cyprus and beyond.

A novel magnetic bifunctional hydrochar catalyst derived from palm leaf residue for biodiesel production: kinetic and thermodynamic studies

Abstract BACKGROUNDNovel magnetic bifunctional hydrochar‐based catalysts were produced from activated hydrochar derived from palm leaf residue (PLRAH) via a wet impregnation technique and used to perform one‐step waste cooking oil (WCO) transesterification to produce biodiesel. The magnetic bifunctional hydrochar‐based catalysts were evaluated for their acid–base properties, crystallinity, functional groups, magnetism, textural properties, thermal stability, chemical composition, and morphology.RESULTSThe PLRAH‐Fe2O3/K2O magnetic catalyst performed well in thermal testing, with a large specific surface area of 111.08 m2 g−1 and its high basicity value of 7.34 mmol g−1, as well as an acidity value of 12.67 mmol g−1, significantly contributed to the WCO transesterification. An optimum biodiesel yield of 98.36% was obtained under the following conditions: catalyst loading of 3 wt%, a methanol‐to‐WCO molar ratio of 12:1, and a reaction temperature of 75 °C for a duration of 4 h and biodiesel yields maintained at >80% after five cycles. The produced biodiesel complied with the physicochemical properties stated in ASTM D6751. The kinetic study also revealed that WCO transesterification using the one‐step approach had a pseudo‐first order and activation energy () of 24.27 kJ mol−1. Furthermore, the thermodynamic variables, including Gibbs free energy (∆Go), enthalpy (∆Ho), and entropy (∆So) of WCO transesterification, were found to be 7.60 kJ mol−1, 24.27 kJ mol−1, and −21.78 J mol−1 K, respectively. This suggests that WCO transesterification was an endothermic and non‐spontaneous process.CONCLUSIONThe synthesized magnetic bifunctional hydrochar‐based catalyst demonstrated outstanding performance for WCO transesterification, highlighting its potential for efficient biodiesel production. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Catalytic Efficiency of Calcium Oxide Catalyst doped with Magnesium in Biodiesel Transesterification from Recycled Cooking Oil

Abstract The rising demand for alternative fuels due to the depletion of diesel oil has accelerated biodiesel production, primarily synthesized through base-catalyzed transesterification. In this study, recycled cooking oil was used as the feedstock, with an alumina-supported calcium oxide catalyst doped with magnesium (Ca/Mg/Al2O3), synthesized via the wet impregnation method, serving as the heterogeneous base catalyst. The catalyst optimization involved adjusting calcination temperatures, the dopant-to-base ratio, and reaction times. The optimal conditions were attained with a 10% Mg loading, calcined at 800°C, and a reaction time of one hour. Under these parameters, biodiesel yield reached 48.30%. XRD analysis revealed CaCO3 and MgAl2O4 as the active species on the catalyst surface, while FESEM analysis showed the catalyst’s irregular shape and particle aggregation, contributing to the yield. These findings suggest that the Ca/Mg (90:10)/Al2O3 catalyst is a promising heterogeneous base catalyst with significant potential for biodiesel production.

Investigation of biodiesel production from Ethiopia leather industry fleshing wastes through numerical and experimental studies

ABSTRACT Investigating the potential of biodiesel production from fleshing wastes derived from Ethiopia's leather industry involves both numerical modelling and experimental approaches. The collection and characterisation of fleshing wastes, followed by the application of transesterification methods to produce biodiesel. This integrated approach not only showcases a sustainable waste management solution but also contributes to renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels while addressing environmental concerns associated with leather waste. In this study, fleshing oil has a high acid value of 24.66 mg KOH/g and a 12.33% FFA level. To lower the FFA to 2.5%, an acid pretreatment and transesterification reaction are required. According to the simulation result, azeotrope did not form in the biodiesel separation column, and standard distillation columns could easily separate the biodiesel. It was also revealed by the distillation column purification process that only four stages were required to produce high-grade biodiesel. 99.9% of the introduced methanol was recovered from the separation column, 95% of the biodiesel yield was acquired from the reactor, and 99.4% of the refined biodiesel was obtained from the purification procedure. the investigation of biodiesel production from Ethiopian leather industry waste represents a significant step towards the development of low-cost renewable energy sources.