Direct conversion process for enhancing biodiesel production from insect biomass waste

Jee Young Kim, Gyeongnam Park, Sungyup Jung, Yiu Fai Tsang and Eilhann E. Kwon

Applied Energy, 2025, vol. 380, issue C, No S0306261924025200

Abstract: This study aimed to ascertain the viability of silkworm pupae as a biodiesel (BD) feedstock. The silkworm pupal extract (31.98 wt% based on the pupae) contains impurities, including free fatty acids (FFAs) and hydrocarbons (HCs). These impurities hindered the conversion of lipids into BD using conventional methods (alkali/acid-catalysed transesterification). The BD yield via conventional transesterification was below 70 wt% due to side reactions such as saponification and hydrolysis. In response to the technical constraints inherent in conventional methods, non-catalytic transesterification was introduced. Owing to the high tolerance of non-catalytic method toward the impurities, the BD yield (91.6 wt%) was significantly higher than conventional methods. This indicated that over 99 wt% of lipids in the extract were converted into BD. The reaction time of non-catalytic method (within a minute) was also shorter than acid-(24 h)/alkali-(100 min) catalysed transesterification. To enhance the BD production, silkworm pupae were directly converted to BD, yielding 103.5 wt% (lipid basis). This implied incomplete lipid extraction or lipid loss during the extraction step. This study presents a new pathway for the valorisation of waste in the textile industry, with the potential to make a significant contribution to the establishment of a circular economy. The direct conversion method would not be limited to silkworm pupae; it has the potential to be adapted for a variety of insect-based feedstocks. By expanding its application, this method would contribute to more sustainable biofuel production and also contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal: 7 (Affordable and clean energy).

Keywords: Waste-to-fuel; Waste valorisation; Biorefinery; Biofuels; Renewable energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.125136

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