Biodiesel Synthesis over Biochar-based Catalyst from Sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria L. Nielsen) Sawdust using Palm Fatty Acid Distillate as Low-Cost Feedstock

Biodiesel is mostly made from trans-esterification reaction using homogenous catalysts. Problems related to homogenous catalysts are the difficulty to separate the final product and the toxic that the waste contains. To prevent this negative effect, it is suggested to use heterogeneous catalysts. The heterogeneous catalysts have been considered to apply on biodiesel production associated with homogeneous catalysts limitations. Many advantages coul be provided by heterogeneous catalysts including easily separated from reaction product, can be used repeatedly, generate less waste water, and environmentally friendly operations. In this paper, the Palm Fatty Acid Distillate (PFAD) esterification to form biodiesel was studied using biochar-based catalyst from sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria L. nielsen) sawdust as heterogeneous catalyst. Reaction parameters such as temperature, molar ratio of oil to methanol, and amount of catalyst percentage were varied to achieve the highest conversion. The highest free fatty acids (FFAs) conversion of 89.71%, was obtained by using 60 degrees C of reaction temperature at 12:1 molar ratio of methanol to PFAD and 3% catalyst amount.