Application of Biochar from Woodchip as Catalyst Support for Biodiesel Production

In Asian countries, the primary palm oil producers, used cooking oil (UCO) is the primary feedstock for biodiesel production. It can be converted into an eco-fuel for application in heavy machinery and diesel engine vehicles due to its low carbon emissions and low global warming potential. However, the illegal dumping of UCO containing triglyceride into flowing water bodies (resulting in wastewater treatment and purification complications) has prompted the design of smart UCO collection systems. This study aims to investigate the heterogeneous catalytic performance of biochar as a support catalyst derived from woodchips calcined at 400 degrees C and 800 degrees C under nitrogen gas flow. The catalyst was synthesized through the wet impregnation method using two metal oxides (5 wt.%, nickel and molybdenum) via transesterification to enhance the biodiesel yield. High biodiesel yield was obtained through the controlled parameters: 65-95 degrees C temperature, 10:1 methanol to oil ratio, and 2 h reaction time. The synthesized catalyst was characterized through X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron (FESEM). The biodiesel production was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy. The results showed that the highest biodiesel yield was produced by the catalyst calcined at 800 degrees C, which shows a consistent trend in the yields obtained at temperatures in the order 75-85-95-65 degrees C. In conclusion, calcination at 800 degrees C resulted in a higher yield (74.66%) and catalyst reusability (>= 5 cycles).

Automated summary

In Asian countries, used cooking oil (UCO) is being converted into biodiesel for heavy machinery and diesel engine vehicles due to its low carbon emissions and low global warming potential. However, illegal dumping of UCO into water bodies has led to the design of smart UCO collection systems. This study investigates the catalytic performance of biochar derived from woodchips and two metal oxides for enhancing biodiesel yield.