Characterisation and utilization of heterogeneous catalyst from waste rice-straw for biodiesel conversion

Global demand of Fuel increases the utilization and decrease the stock of fossil fuels. With high efficiency still no alternative replace the position. The major issue concerns with non-renewable fuel are large amount of toxic gases emission and high risk on processing. To minimise the impact on surrounding and economical processing unconventional fuel are now developing worldwide. Among all unconventional energy resources biodiesel is the first choices. The aim of research work is to prepare and make use heterogeneous alkaline catalyst from waste rice straw for biodiesel conversion. The catalyst was characterised with scanning electron micrograph, Fourier infrared transformation, x-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis before and after application. The trans-esterification experiment was carried out with waste cooking oil and prepared catalyst in a three-necked glass reactor. At optimum operating parameters reaction temperature 65 degrees C; reaction time 150 min; methanol to oil ration 15:1; catalyst loading 3.5 wt% and mixing speed 600 rpm, highest 93.7% biodiesel conversion achieved. Produced biodiesel was confirmed with Gas-Chromatography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance as well as compared with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards value. Conclusively this investigation confirms the possible utilization of waste biomass and waste-free fatty acid material for industrial applications.