OPTIMIZATION OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM WASTE COOKING OIL USING A BIFUNCTIONAL CATALYST DERIVED FROM COPPER DOPED PERIWINKLE ASH

ABSTRACT

The rising global energy demand has underscored the importance of biomass-to-fuel conversion processes, prompting increased attention from both the energy sector and policymakers. This study aimed to assess the impact of various transesterification process parameters on biodiesel production from Waste Cooking Oil (WCO), utilizing a bio-based catalyst derived from the chemical modification of Periwinkle shell doped with copper. A Box Behnken design (BBD) was employed to plan the transesterification experiments. The optimal biodiesel yield of 94.089% was achieved at a constant temperature of 60°C, with a Methanol Oil ratio of 12.0, catalyst dosage of 0.746 wt%, and a reaction time of 89.752 minutes, yielding a desirability of 1. These results indicate the highly favorable performance of the developed catalyst. Overall, the transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil using the catalyst derived from periwinkle shell doped with Copper proved to be successful.