Production, Optimization and Performance Analysis of Jatropha Biodiesel using Nano CaO Catalyst Synthesized from Polymesoda erosa Seashells

Manchuri, Amaranadha Reddy (2018) Production, Optimization and Performance Analysis of Jatropha Biodiesel using Nano CaO Catalyst Synthesized from Polymesoda erosa Seashells. PhD thesis, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).

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Abstract

In sustainable biodiesel production, both catalyst and feedstock are considered as essential features. Various heterogeneous catalysts are often used to produce biodiesel from nonedible crude oils. In this research, nano calcium oxide (CaO) heterogeneous catalyst was synthesized from indigenous aquatic seashells, Polymesoda erosa, through calcination– hydration–dehydration technique. The nano CaO catalyst spectral and structural characteristics were evaluated utilizing spectrographic techniques that include Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). A nano CaO with a surface area of 90.61 m2 /g in spherical or rod-shapes with diameters of 66.2nm and 548.7nm measured. The nano CaO catalysis efficiency was investigated in a two-step transesterification of triglycerides from crude Jatropha oil (CJO) as Jatropha biodiesel (JB). A JB yield of 98.54 % was reported at optimal parametric conditions i.e., 0.02:1 (w/w) catalyst concentration, 133.1 min reaction time and 5.15:1 mol. of methanol to the pre-treated oil. An average of 95.8% JB yield was obtained from the catalyst reusability and leaching study up to the sixth cycle. The fatty acid composition (FAC) of a feedstock influences biodiesel physicochemical properties. The impact of FAC on biodiesel produced using CJO originated from the east and west Malaysian regions was investigated. The physicochemical fuel properties of biodiesel and blends were investigated according to ASTM D6751/ EN 14214 standards. The investigations revealed that the FAC of biodiesel can influence physicochemical properties of the JB due to variant degrees of saturated and unsaturated fatty acid levels. A mathematical model, response surface methodology based on central composite design, coupled with desirability approach was utilized to predict the engine performance and emissions. The engine operating parameters that include engine speed (1700 rpm – 2100 rpm), using JB - PD fuel blends of (B5 – B25) and torque (28 N.m – 36 N.m) were utilized as input parameters. At a collective desirability of 0.969, both engine performance and exhaust gas emissions were resulted as optimal. The engine speed of 1900 rpm, JB – PD fuel blend of B13 and torque of 33 N.m were obtained as optimal parameters. Hence, this research recommends use of B13 biodiesel blends.

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