Biodiesel production using a functionalized hybrid biochar catalyst: RSM-based optimization and comprehensive evaluation

Gaurav Yadav, Nidhi Yadav and Md. Ahmaruzzaman

Renewable Energy, 2025, vol. 252, issue C

Abstract: A recyclable organic carbon-based acidic catalyst was developed from Pistacia vera and Juglans regia shells for microwave-assisted biodiesel production. The Functionalized Hybrid Biochar (FHB) catalyst, with a high surface area of 156.525 m2/g, exhibited excellent performance for esterification and transesterification. Using response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD), the optimal conditions 3 wt% catalyst dosage, 1:9 oleic acid-to-methanol molar ratio, 80 °C, and 55-min reaction time yielded 99 ± 0.5 % biodiesel through esterification, and 92.4 ± 1.2 %, 79.7 ± 0.8 % through transesterification of soyabean and palm oil. The FHB catalyst displayed a low activation energy of 16.313 kJ/mol, 32.463 kJ mol−1, and 22.801 kJ mol−1, with thermodynamic studies confirming endothermic reactions and enhanced mass transfer rates. Economic analysis revealed a production cost of just $1.096/kg, and the catalyst maintained high efficiency over six cycles, demonstrating excellent reusability. The FHB catalyst offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for biodiesel production through esterification and transesterification.

Keywords: Biodiesel; Biomass; Response surface methodology; Hybrid biochar; Oleic acid (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:252:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125011486

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123486

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