Conventional and Non-Conventional Transesterification for Biodiesel Production Using Waste Cooking Oil-derived Soybean Oil

Abstract

This study concern the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil utilizing both conventional and non-conventional heating techniques employing a homogeneous base catalyst (NaOH). The research objective was to establish a process that is ecologically sustainable, highly efficient, and economically viable. The investigation effectively showcased the feasibility of biodiesel synthesis using both heating methodologies, resulting in commendable yields. The reaction time, molar ratio, and biodiesel quality of this process were compared with conventional transesterification. The assessment of biodiesel yields encompassed techniques such as Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) analysis. The optimization of different parameters influencing biodiesel synthesis under microwaves irradiation was done. Notably, the transesterification reaction of soybean oil into biodiesel under heating and ultra-sons sonication irradiation exhibited the highest conversion rate to methyl esters, yielding: 99%. As results ultrasonic technique a fast time reaction and smaller amount of methanol obtained a high conversion of methyl ester. Moreover, the properties of the produced biodiesel aligned with ASTM standard specifications.