Biodiesel production via transesterification of palm olein using waste mud crab (Scylla serrata) shell as a heterogeneous catalyst.
A recent rise in crab aquaculture activities has intensified the generation of waste shells. In the present study, the waste shells were utilized as a source of calcium oxide to transesterify palm olein into methyl esters (biodiesel). Characterization results revealed that the main component of the shell is calcium carbonate which transformed into calcium oxide when activated above 700 degrees C for 2 h. Parametric studies have been investigated and optimal conditions were found to be methanol/oil mass ratio, 0.5:1; catalyst amount, 5 wt.%; reaction temperature, 65 degrees C; and a stirring rate of 500 rpm. The waste catalyst performs equally well as laboratory CaO, thus creating another low-cost catalyst source for producing biodiesel. Reusability results confirmed that the prepared catalyst is able to be reemployed up to 11 times. Statistical analysis has been performed using a Central Composite Design to evaluate the contribution and performance of the parameters on biodiesel purity.
Boey
Peng-Lim
PL
School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia.
Maniam
Gaanty Pragas
GP
Hamid
Shafida Abd
SA
D000818:Animals; D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources; D003386:Brachyura / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D017610:Calcium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D002384:Catalysis; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004951:Esterification; D004952:Esters / Q000032:analysis; D008956:Models, Chemical; D010087:Oxides / Q000737:chemistry; D000073878:Palm Oil; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature; D014866:Waste Products / Q000032:analysis*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D017610:Calcium Compounds; D004952:Esters; D010087:Oxides; D010938:Plant Oils; D014866:Waste Products; D000073878:Palm Oil; C016538:lime