Utilization of biowaste-derived catalysts for biodiesel production: process optimization using response surface methodology and particle swarm optimization method

Abstract

In this experimental and optimization study, banana (Musa acuminata) flower petal ash has been considered as an effective catalyst in the room temperature (28 °C) assisted transesterification to produce biodiesel from waste cooking oil. The transformation of Musa acuminata flower petals to ash catalyst has been performed by a simple conventional open-air burning process. Three important parameters (catalyst concentration, methanol/oil (M/O) molar ratio and time) that play a significant role in the conversion of waste cooking oil to waste cooking oil methyl ester (biodiesel) were investigated. In order to maximize the conversion rate these key transesterification parameters were optimized using central composite rotatable design of response surface methodology. A metaheuristic algorithm popularly known as particle swarm algorithm has been used to observe a clear picture of the global optimum points scattered around the search domain. Particle swarm optimization has also been used to validate the results obtained from central composite rotatable design. The chemical composition and morphology of the ash catalyst have been investigated using several analytical techniques. It was observed that the catalyst remained active until the 4th reaction cycle. The catalyst's reusability, renewability and robust activity in the reaction make it efficient, economic, green and industrially applicable.