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Transesterification of Sunflower Oil over Waste Chicken Eggshell-Based Catalyst in a Microreactor: An Optimization
Stefan Pavlović1, Gordana Šelo2, Dalibor Marinković1
1Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, National Institute for the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia.
Micromachines
|January 27, 2021
Summary
Waste chicken eggshells create an efficient catalyst for sunflower oil transesterification in a microreactor, yielding high fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) content. This process offers intensified reaction rates compared to traditional batch methods.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Transesterification of sunflower oil is crucial for biodiesel production.
- Developing sustainable and cost-effective catalysts is essential.
- Waste-derived materials offer potential as heterogeneous catalysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize sunflower oil transesterification using a waste chicken eggshell-derived catalyst.
- To investigate the catalyst's properties and performance in a microreactor.
- To compare microreactor efficiency with conventional batch processes.
Main Methods:
- Catalyst synthesis via hydration-dehydration and calcination (600 °C).
- Catalyst characterization using XRD, XRF, FT-IR, SEM, N2 physisorption, and Hg-porosimetry.
- Experimental design (DoE) and Response Surface Methodology (Box-Behnken) for optimization in a microreactor.
Main Results:
- The eggshell catalyst (CaO) showed high porosity and suitable morphology.
- Optimal conditions: 10 min residence time, 0.1 g/g catalyst concentration, 3:1 methanol/oil ratio.
- Microreactor achieved 51.2% FAMEs in 10 min, significantly higher than batch (18.6%).
Conclusions:
- Waste chicken eggshells are a viable source for effective transesterification catalysts.
- Microreactor technology significantly enhances reaction efficiency and biodiesel yield.
- Optimized process demonstrates a sustainable route for biodiesel production.
Keywords:
Box–Behnken designbiodieselchicken eggshell-based catalystmicroreactorstatistical process optimizationtransesterificationMore Related Videos
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