KOH and Sea Sand as Green Catalyst for Biodiesel Production
By Sarina Sulaiman and Fatani , Mustafa Ahmed Department of Chemical Engineering and Sustainability , Kulliyyah of Engineering , International Islamic University Malaysia
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Biofuel tanker and filling station
Many developed countries have focused on generating energy from the earth ’ s resources , which is a key input for human wellbeing , social growth , economic progress and higher living standards . Biodiesel is a clean-burning , easy-tomake diesel made from fats or oils . Biodiesel can be made from either vegetable oil or animal fats , and it works in any diesel engine . This research aims to characterise the catalysts made of sea sand and potassium hydroxide and synthesise and optimise the use of green heterogeneous catalysts . The maximum biodiesel yield , at 76.7 %, was obtained with a 1:1 KOH : sea sand ratio and with other fixed parameters such as reaction temperature ( 65 ° C ), reaction duration
( three hours ), and methanol-to-oil ratio ( 15:1 ). This research has opened a new door for biodiesel production and has provided a safer , greener and more environment-friendly catalyst .
Many industrialised countries have focused on utilising the earth ' s resources to generate renewable energy , a critical input for human welfare , social development , economic progress , and improved living standards . The main source of conventional energy has been fossil fuels . As oil prices have risen and the demand for petroleum products has increased , scientists have begun investigating biodiesel production from waste materials , as a green and renewable source .
53