Optimization of Biodiessel Production catalyzed by Calcium oxide obtained from Waste Egg shell using Surface Response Methodology.

Abstract

This study focused on the optimization of biodiesel production via the transesterification process of groundnut oil catalysed by CaO prepared from waste egg shells. The prepared solid calcium oxide catalyst was characterised for its morphologies, crystallinity and specific surface areas by High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (HRSEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer– Emmett–Teller (BET). The effects of temperature, reaction time and stirring speed on the biodiesel yields using central composite designs were investigated. The XRD and HRSEM analysis revealed the formation of a highly crystalline CaO with agglomerated honey comb web morphology. The optimum applied experimental condition to obtain the highest biodiesel yield of 92.83% using highly active CaO catalyst were temperature (60 ºC), reaction time (3 hrs) and stirring speed (600 rpm). The reaction time and temperature are inversely proportional and exerted greater influence on the yield of biodiesel than the stirring speed. It can be deduce from various analysis conducted that the waste egg shell can be utilized as a catalyst for biodiesel production.