Comparison on Effect with Different Concentration of Catalysts towards Biodiesel Production

This research investigates the potential of using cooking oil, a type of vegetable oil or edible plant oil, as a biodiesel source to replace fossil fuels. Biodiesel is highlighted as a renewable and safe alternative fuel, with transesterification identified as a key method for its production. The study focuses on enhancing biodiesel yield by employing various catalysts, particularly NaOH and KOH, in the transesterification process. The research explores the physicochemical characteristics of biodiesel produced using different catalysts. This study conducted biodiesel production experiments using NaOH and KOH catalysts. Methanol-catalyst mixtures were prepared, applied to Aliff Palm Cooking Oil, and subjected to transesterification at 65 ℃ for 3 hours and 600 rpm stirring speed. Four biodiesel samples with varying catalyst concentrations (0.5 wt% and 1.5 wt%) were produced. After phase separation, washing, and drying, the biodiesel properties were analyzed in terms of density, kinematic viscosity, biodiesel yield and FTIR analysis. The results highlight the influence of catalyst concentration on biodiesel yield and physicochemical characteristics. Biodiesel yield depends on concentration, with 0.5wt% concentration showing over 80% yield. The kinematic viscosity results for all sample obtained in range 3.5-3.9 mm2/s while for density also in range between 869-872 kg/m3 according to EN 14214 standard. The present of strong C=O and CH group also appeared during FTIR analysis. Sample 2A (0.5 wt% KOH) achieves 872 kg/m3 density, 3.9 mm2/s kinematic viscosity, and 81.80% biodiesel yield. Future research can explore shorter reaction times and investigate waste cooking oil's impact on biodiesel yield. Examining acid catalysts alongside base catalysts offers further insights into biodiesel production variations.