Optimization of Methanolysis of Used Cooking Oil by the Taguchi Experimental Design Approach

• Published in: Chemical engineering & technology Vol. 47; no. 3; pp. 494 - 503
• Main Authors: Sikiru Yusuff, Adeyinka, Aka, Peace Otaoghene, Igbafe, Anselm Iuebego
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frankfurt Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.03.2024
• Subjects: Biodiesel fuels; Catalysts; Catalytic activity; Chicken eggshell; Cooking; Design of experiments; Esters; Gas chromatography; Mass spectrometry; Optimization; Roasting; Taguchi design; Transesterification; Used cooking oil
• ISSN: 0930-7516; 1521-4125
• DOI: 10.1002/ceat.202300331

The goal of this study was to look into the catalytic activity of KOH‐modified CaO from eggshell as catalyst for the optimization of biodiesel production from used cooking oil (UCO), applying the Taguchi approach. The strong base catalyst (K/CE) was formulated by doping KOH on calcined chicken eggshell at various quantities (0–2.5 g), where 2 g of KOH doped on 5 g of calcined eggshell (2K/CE) and recalcined at 400 °C was found to represent the best catalyst formulation conditions. The optimal catalyst resulted in the maximum UCO biodiesel (UCOB) yield of 91.92 % at 70 °C for 1 h, using a 2K/CE dosage of 0.5 wt % and a methanol/UCO molar ratio of 15:1. The physicochemical properties of the optimal UCOB sample were in accordance with ASTM D6751 specifications, and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of methyl esters at an amount of 97.65 wt %. Transesterification of used cooking oil over a bio‐waste‐derived catalyst (K/CaO) was optimized using the Taguchi experimental design approach. The basic catalyst exhibited good catalytic performance, resulting in a high biodiesel yield. A new theory on the development and characterization of a strong basic catalyst for biodiesel production from waste oil was achieved.