Biodiesel production from tucuma (Astrocaryum aculeatum Meyer) almond oil applying the electrolytic paste of spent batteries as a catalyst

Improper disposal of batteries can cause several environmental problems. Thus, this work aimed to apply the electrolytic paste (SB) of spent AA batteries as a catalyst. The SB was heat-treated (400 and 800 degrees C) and characterized by FTIR, XRF, XRD, TGA, SEM-EDX, titratable acidity, and soluble alkalinity. Although the thermal treatment changed the constituent phases, a majority presence of manganese and zinc was observed in the materials. The extracted tucuma almond oil was also characterized, showing a high percentage of saturated fatty acids (75%) and high acidity (9.25 KOH/g oil). The untreated SB showed higher acidity (0.02 mmol/g) and, consequently, higher catalytic activity in transesterification reactions, resulting in good conversions (> 97%). Temperature and reaction time were the most significant parameters, according to ANOVA. SB also showed high catalytic activity in the esterification of oleic acid, achieving good conversions (96%). Thus, the electrolytic paste proved to be a potentially efficient and eco-friendly catalyst for biodiesel production, even from highly acidic oils.(c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study aimed to utilize the electrolytic paste of spent AA batteries as a catalyst for biodiesel production. The heat-treated electrolytic paste showed higher catalytic activity and achieved good conversion rates in esterification reactions. The results suggest that the utilization of waste batteries can be a potentially efficient and eco-friendly method for biodiesel production.