Optimization of one-pot biodiesel synthesis using biofunctionalized agrowastes catalyst from cocoa pods, waste eggshells, orange peels, and waste snail shells : Taguchi L9 optimization approach

The Taguchi Orthogonal Method was used in the study to improve biodiesel production from Jatropha oil in a single pot. This method predicted the conversion (%) from Jatropha oil transesterification by optimizing four critical process variables. Using the hydrothermal-sulphonation method, a special bio-functionalized catalyst made from agricultural waste, such as cocoa pods, eggshells, orange peels, and snail shells, was used to accelerate the reaction. The ideal conditions of MTOR (15:1), CW (3 wt%), RTime (60 minutes), and RT (65 C) resulted in an optimal conversion of 95.20%. Furthermore, at MTOR of 15:1, CW of 2 Wt.%, RTime of 120 minutes, and RT of 60C, a 99.08% product yield was obtained. Nine (9) experimental runs that assessed the FAME yield and the FFA conversion showed coefficients of variation (1.2000 and 0.1083), R2 values (0.9821 and 0.9981), adjusted R2 values (0.9641 and 0.9923), and projected R values (0.9091 and 0.9539), respectively. The goal of this research was to increase biodiesel yield from Jatropha oil by improving the attribute and conversion of the yielding transformation. The renewable fuel generated under peak conditions met the necessary conditions for manufacturing.