Optimization of Process Parameters for the Synthesis of Locally Sourced Alumina-Supported Eggshell Catalyst

Abstract

The effect of process parameters in the synthesis of alumina-supported calcium oxide (eggshell) catalyst was investigated and optimised. Using a 24 factorial design, the impregnation ratio, time calcination temperature and time as parameters used in catalyst synthesis were investigated on the yield of biodiesel from waste cooking oil. The optimization study showed that; impregnation ratio of 1.17:1 at 1.32 hours of impregnation and calcination temperature of 740.31oC for 2.62 hours gave the best results of 75.4% with 95% confidence level when used biodiesel production. The conditions for transesterification of the waste cooking oil were methanol to oil molar ratio of 12:1, 6wt% catalyst, 60oC reaction time, and mixing speed of 250rpm for 90 minutes. The optimized result agreed with the experimental yield of 76.02% biodiesel using the same conditions. The result of the characterization of the biodiesel produced compares favourably with ASTM standards.