Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Waste Vegetable Oil Using Homogenous Catalyst

Student: Wisdom Ahonim Nenyiaba (Project, 2025)
Department of Chemical Engineering
Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State

Abstract

This research focuses on the optimization of biodiesel production from waste vegetable oil (WVO) utilizing sodium hydroxide as a homogeneous catalyst. As the world struggles with environmental challenges and the scarcity of fossil fuels, renewable energy sources such as biodiesel offer sustainable alternatives. The study aimed to optimize critical parameters such as methanol-to-oil ratio, reaction time, reaction temperature, and catalyst loading to achieve high yields and quality of biodiesel. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed for the experimental design. The produced biodiesel was characterized in terms of key properties like viscosity, acid value, and flash point, ensuring compliance with international standards. Results from the optimization process revealed a methanol-to-oil ratio of 6.52:1, reaction temperature of 60.79°C, reaction time of 54.78 minutes and catalyst loading of 0.85 wt% with the optimum biodiesel yield as 91.42%. The quadratic model was able to adequately predict the biodiesel yield with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.97. The study demonstrates the potential of WVO as a cost-effective feedstock for biodiesel production and contributes to reducing environmental pollution while supporting sustainable energy development

Keywords
biodiesel catalyst reaction optimization production waste sustainable
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