Utilization of Bifunctional Catalyst for Biodiesel Production from Palm Kernel Oil
Published: 2023-06-10
Page: 284-293
Issue: 2023 - Volume 6 [Issue 3]
C. C. Okoye *
Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, PMB 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
C. F. Okey-Onyesolu *
Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, PMB 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
O. E. Achugbu
Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, PMB 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
E. N. Anekwe
Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, PMB 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
C. Nebolisa
Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, PMB 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB) and Titanium oxide (TiO2) formulation was considered as a heterogeneous bifunctional catalyst for simultaneous esterification-transeterification of palm kernel oil (PKO) for biodiesel production. The bifunctional catalyst, Titanium oxide-Palm empty fruit bunch catalyst (TPEFBC), was synthesized from acid impregnated PEFB carbon and TiO2, calcined at 600˚C for 3 hours. Characterization result of PKO revealed high FFA (4.50%). Interactive effect analyses depict that the investigated process variables: reaction time, temperature, catalyst loading and methanol-oil-ratio (MOR) had significant effect on biodiesel yield. Reaction kinetics study was carried out at temperaures 45,60 and 75˚C. The kinetic data at 60˚C recorded coefficient of determination value (0.975) closest to unity thus best fitted the kinetic model with reaction order, 1.074. Gas chromatography result show that a biodiesel yield of 78.51% was achieved at 12:1 methanol to oil ratio, 1% catalyst loading, 333K reaction temperature and 180 minutes contact time. Results obtained suggest the capability of TPEFBC as a bifunctional catalyst for biodiesel production.
Keywords: Biodiesel, transesterification, kinetics, bifunctional catalyst, palm kernel oil