Development of Bi-Functional Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Production of Biodiesel from Shea Nut Oil
Student: Clinton Temitope Otse (Project, 2025)
Department of Chemical Engineering
Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State
Abstract
ABSTRACTThis study investigates the development and characterization of a bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production using calcined oyster shells, alumina, and plantain peel ash as precursor materials. The oyster shells provided a calcium oxide (CaO) base source. The catalysts were synthesized via co-precipitation and thermal calcination at optimized conditions, ensuring the formation of active sites for both esterification and transesterification reactions. Characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD),and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, were employed to evaluate the structural, morphological, and surface properties of the catalyst.The synthesized catalyst demonstrated high catalytic efficiency In biodiesel production from Shea nut oil under mild reaction conditions, achieving a conversion yield of over 90%. Its bifunctional properties allowed effective conversion of both free fatty acids and triglycerides, minimizing pre-treatment steps. Reusability tests confirmed the catalyst’s stability, retaining activity over four reaction cycles.
Keywords
For the full publication, please contact the author directly at: temitopec2002@gmail.com
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- UMA UKPAI SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY, UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE (AFFL TO UNIVERSITY OF UYO) 1
- Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto, Sokoto State 24
- Umaru Musa Yaradua University, Katsina, Katsina State 28
- Umca, Ilorin (Affiliated To University of Ibadan), Kwara State 1
- University of Abuja, Abuja, Fct 116
- University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State 4
- University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State 362
- University of Calabar Teaching Hospital School of Health Information Mgt. 1
- University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State 240
- University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State 14