Spring International Engineering Research Journal

ISSN 2384-5058

Efficient Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil Using Palm Kernel Shell-Derived Quicklime Catalyst: A Sustainable Approach with Optimal Reaction Conditions


Abstract

 

Biodiesel is a renewable alternative to fossil fuels with less environmental impact. However, conventional production using homogeneous catalysts such as strong acids or bases is costly and environmentally unsustainable due to complex separation and hazardous waste. This paper presents a sustainable route using activated palm kernel shells and quicklime as a heterogeneous catalyst to trans esterify waste cooking oil into biodiesel. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the catalyst's structural and catalytic properties. Reactions were carried out in a 250 mL three-necked flask fitted with a digital heating mantle, water-cooled condenser, and magnetic stirrer. Under optimized conditions (molar ratio of oil to methanol-1:12, 3 wt. % catalyst loading, 60°C and 2 hours reaction time) gave 90% biodiesel. This approach uses waste biomass (e.g., palm kernel shells) to further produce applied, biocompatible, low-cost catalysts to sustain the environmental circular economy and waste valorization goals. Its high yield and ease of recovery confirm its potential for industrial application to produce biodiesel on a larger scale. Ultimately, this method provides a viable and sustainable solution to biodiesel production while reducing conventional production methods' environmental and economic drawbacks.

 

Keyboards: Biodiesel, Waste Cooking Oil, Transesterification, Palm Kernel Shells, Catalyst