(2024) Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry_Use of biochar as a catalyst for biodiesel production

Park G.; Lee D.-J.; Kwon D.; Young Kim J.; Jung S.; Fai Tsang Y.; Kwon E.E.

(Korean Society of Industrial Engineering Chemistry) Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry ISSN: 1226086X Vol. Issue. Article No. DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2024.07.046

The economic viability of biodiesel (BD) production is highly dependent on conversion techniques using inexpensive oil feedstocks. In this study, BD was synthesised by the thermally induced (non-catalytic) transesterification of oil extracted from camellia seed (42.23 wt% lipid content). The BD yield from the non-catalytic transesterification of camellia oil was higher than that from the alkali-catalysed process. The BD yield from the alkali-catalysed transesterification of camellia oil for 60 min was 84.1 wt%, whereas that from the non-catalytic process for ≤ 1 min at 360 ˚C was 93.5 wt%. To realise a virtuous circle in the production of BD, this study sought a strategic way to valorise oil-extracted biomass waste (lignocellulose-based). Specifically, this study sought a method for valorising biochar as an effective catalyst, hypothesizing that earth alkaline metals finely dispersed within the porous structure of biochar would effectively enhance catalytic capability. The BD yield in the presence of camellia biochar was 92.4 wt% (saturated at ≥ 240 ˚C). Thus, the reaction kinetics for the transesterification of camellia oil over camellia biochar was catalytically accelerated. Such efforts provide opportunities to enhance economic viability and realise the concept of a sustainable cycle in BD production. © 2024 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry

This work was carried out with the support of \u201CCooperative Research Program for Agriculture Science & Technology Development (Project title: Valorization of livestock manure waste in the pyrolysis process, Project No. PJ01699102 )\u201D, Rural Development Administration , Republic of Korea.