Investigation of the effects of different catalysts on the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil.

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the effects of various catalysts on the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil. Biodiesel, as a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels, has gained significant attention in recent years. The utilization of waste cooking oil as a feedstock for biodiesel production not only addresses the issue of waste disposal but also contributes to sustainable energy practices. Catalysts play a crucial role in the transesterification process, which converts waste cooking oil into biodiesel. However, the choice of catalyst can significantly impact the reaction rate, yield, and quality of the biodiesel product. Chapter 2 provides a comprehensive literature review on biodiesel production, waste cooking oil as a feedstock, and the role of catalysts in the transesterification process. Various types of catalysts, including homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, are discussed along with their advantages and limitations. The review also covers the effects of catalyst properties, such as acidity, basicity, and surface area, on biodiesel production efficiency. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology employed in this study, including the selection of catalysts, experimental setup, reaction conditions, and analytical techniques used for biodiesel characterization. The study investigates the performance of different catalysts by measuring reaction kinetics, yield, and biodiesel quality parameters such as fatty acid methyl ester content, viscosity, and density. Chapter 4 presents a detailed discussion of the experimental findings, comparing the effects of various catalysts on biodiesel production. The results highlight the influence of catalyst type, concentration, and reaction conditions on the transesterification process. The discussion also addresses the role of catalyst activity, stability, and reusability in enhancing biodiesel yield and quality. In conclusion, this thesis provides valuable insights into the optimization of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil using different catalysts. The study contributes to the understanding of catalyst performance in the transesterification process and offers recommendations for improving biodiesel production efficiency. The findings of this research can inform future studies on catalyst development and process optimization for sustainable biodiesel production. Keywords Biodiesel, waste cooking oil, catalysts, transesterification, sustainability, renewable energy.