Work

Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil Using a Construction Industry Waste Cement as a Heterogeneous and Reusable Catalyst

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Biodiesel, which is a blend of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), has garnered significant attention as a promising alternative to petroleum-based diesel fuel. Nevertheless, the commercial production of biodiesel faces challenges due to the high costs associated with feedstock and the non-recyclable homogeneous catalyst system. To address these issues, a solid catalyst derived from construction industry waste cement was synthesized and utilized for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil (WCO). The catalyst’s surface and physical characteristics were analyzed through various techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The waste-cement catalyst demonstrated remarkable catalytic performance and reusability in the transesterification of WCO with methanol for biodiesel synthesis. A maximum biodiesel yield of 98.1% was obtained under the optimal reaction conditions of reaction temperature 65 °C; methanol/WCO molar ratio 16:1; calcined cement dosage 3 g; and reaction time 8 h. The apparent activation energy (Ea) from the reaction kinetic study is 35.78 KJ·mol−1, suggesting that the transesterification reaction is governed by kinetic control rather than diffusion. The biodiesel produced exhibited high-quality properties and can be utilized in existing diesel engines without any modifications. This research presents a scalable, environmentally benign pathway for WCO transesterification, thereby contributing significantly to the economic viability and long-term sustainability of the global biodiesel industry.

Source: Nanomaterials

DOI: 10.3390/nano16020108

Authors: Jing Sun, Hongwei Chen, Hongjian Shen, Xiang Luo, Zezhou Lin, Honglei Zhang

Institutions: Ningbo University of Technology, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Language: English

Topic: Biodiesel Production and Applications

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896