Yusuff, A.S., Adeniyi, O.D., Azeez O.S., Olutoye, M.A., and Akpan, U.G. (2017). Biodiesel production from waste frying oil via heterogeneous transesterification: optimization study, Proceedings of the 2nd International Engineering Conference (IEC), Minna, Nigeria, pp. 130-142, ISBN 978-93-84422-11-0, (Oct. 17-19th 2017) ww.iec.futminna.edu.ng.

Abstract

This study deals with development of a new composite heterogeneous catalyst, anthill-eggshell promoted Ni-Co mixed oxides (NiCoAE). The catalyst was synthesized via co-precipitation and also characterized to evaluate its properties. The as-synthesized NiCoAE catalyst was thereafter tested for transesterification reaction. The effects of variables affecting the transesterification process, reaction temperature (50-70 oC), reaction time (2-4 h), catalyst loading (3-7 wt%) and methanol to oil ratio (6:1-12:1) were investigated using central composite design (CCD). The biodiesel yield of 89.23% was obtained at the following optimum reaction conditions; 70 oC of reaction temperature, 2 h of reaction time, 3 wt% of catalyst loading and methanol to waste frying oil ratio of 12:1. This indicates that NiCoAE as heterogeneous catalyst has potential to convert high FFA feedstock into biodiesel via single step transterification process