Locally Sustainable Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil and Grease Using a Deep Eutectic Solvent:...

Area of Science:

• Sustainable Chemistry
• Renewable Energy Fuels
• Waste Valorization

Background:

• Local sustainability initiatives aim to reduce waste and promote renewable energy sources.
• Waste cooking oil is a potential feedstock for biodiesel production.
• Deep eutectic solvents (DES) offer an environmentally friendly alternative for chemical synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize biodiesel from waste cooking oil using a DES.
• To evaluate the suitability of the synthesized biodiesel as an alternative fuel for campus utility vehicles.
• To assess the feasibility of repurposing used DES in chemistry teaching labs.

Main Methods:

• Biodiesel synthesis via transesterification using DES from waste cooking oil.
• Characterization of biodiesel components using GC-MS, FTIR, and 1H NMR.
• Evaluation of fuel properties including kinematic viscosity, cold-temperature performance, thermal stability (TGA-FTIR), and combustion gas analysis.

Main Results:

• The biodiesel primarily consisted of methyl oleate, methyl linoleate, methyl palmitate, and methyl stearate.
• Biodiesel blends met American Biodiesel Standard viscosity requirements.
• The biodiesel exhibited suitable cold-temperature properties and good thermal stability, with efficient combustion to CO2 and H2O.

Conclusions:

• Biodiesel synthesized using DES from waste cooking oil is a viable alternative fuel for campus utility vehicles in moderate climates.
• This process enhances local sustainability by valorizing waste oil and enabling the reuse of DES.
• The study supports the integration of sustainable practices in both energy and chemical education.