Application of diverse feedstocks for biodiesel production using catalytic technology

Abstract

Recently the rise in population and demand in energy for growth and development of countries leads to more consumption of fossil fuels which is a non-renewable source. The excessive usage of non-renewable resources results in depletion of limited energy reserves, environmental pollution, and global warming. Therefore, there is a genuine need to discover an alternative energy source to meet the global energy demand for the present and future. Based on various explored choices for alternative fuels, biodiesel is one of the attractive alternatives because of its various benefits like renewability, biodegradability, non-toxicity, high flash point, and eco-friendly nature when compared to conventional diesel. Biodiesel can be synthesized by transesterification of oil or fats with methanol in the presence of a suitable catalyst. This research work focuses on the development of sustainable ways to reduce issues related to conventional energy usage. The present work focused on the exploration of different kinds of feedstocks, such as rapeseed oil, linseed oil, lard oil, waste cooking oil, and algal oil for biodiesel production. Various kinds of nanocatalysts such as the potassium doped TiO2 (TiO2-0.5C4H5KO6), lithium impregnated CaO (CaO-0.5LiOH), nano-magnetic potassium doped ceria (Fe3O4-CeO2-25K), Sr-Al double oxides (Sr: 0.33Al) were used for transesterification of different oils. The detailed characterization of synthesized catalysts was investigated using different techniques, and results were summarized in this research work. The regeneration and reusability of the catalysts makes the biodiesel process cost-effective and more eco-friendly.

Moreover, the study also revealed the positive influence of co-solvent on biodiesel production by resolving problems related to the transesterification reaction. During the progress of this thesis work, sustainable bioenergy production using algal cultivation in aquaculture wastewater also provided promising results. The synthesized biodiesel was analyzed by various analytical techniques, and results were discussed in this thesis. The properties of obtained biodiesel were within ASTM /ENISO limits. The brief overview of this Ph.D. thesis involves the exploration of different potential feedstocks and nanocatalysts, identification of potential impacts of the co-solvent in transesterification reaction, and synergic approach of biodiesel production combined with wastewater treatment.