Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the effects of various catalysts on the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil. Biodiesel, as a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels, has gained significant attention in recent years. The utilization of waste cooking oil as a feedstock for biodiesel production not only addresses the issue of waste disposal but also contributes to sustainable energy practices. Catalysts play a crucial role in the transesterification process, which converts waste cooking oil into biodiesel. However, the choice of catalyst can significantly impact the reaction rate, yield, and quality of the biodiesel product. Chapter 2 provides a comprehensive literature review on biodiesel production, waste cooking oil as a feedstock, and the role of catalysts in the transesterification process. Various types of catalysts, including homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, are discussed along with their advantages and limitations. The review also covers the effects of catalyst properties, such as acidity, basicity, and surface area, on biodiesel production efficiency. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology employed in this study, including the selection of catalysts, experimental setup, reaction conditions, and analytical techniques used for biodiesel characterization. The study investigates the performance of different catalysts by measuring reaction kinetics, yield, and biodiesel quality parameters such as fatty acid methyl ester content, viscosity, and density. Chapter 4 presents a detailed discussion of the experimental findings, comparing the effects of various catalysts on biodiesel production. The results highlight the influence of catalyst type, concentration, and reaction conditions on the transesterification process. The discussion also addresses the role of catalyst activity, stability, and reusability in enhancing biodiesel yield and quality. In conclusion, this thesis provides valuable insights into the optimization of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil using different catalysts. The study contributes to the understanding of catalyst performance in the transesterification process and offers recommendations for improving biodiesel production efficiency. The findings of this research can inform future studies on catalyst development and process optimization for sustainable biodiesel production. Keywords Biodiesel, waste cooking oil, catalysts, transesterification, sustainability, renewable energy.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Investigation of the effects of different catalysts on the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil" aims to explore the impact of various catalysts on the efficiency and yield of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil. Biodiesel, a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel fuel, is typically produced through the transesterification process using a catalyst to facilitate the reaction between waste cooking oil and alcohol. This research project will delve into the selection and testing of different catalysts to determine their influence on biodiesel production. The catalysts under investigation may include alkaline catalysts such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, acidic catalysts like sulfuric acid, and enzyme catalysts. By comparing the performance of these catalysts in terms of reaction rate, conversion efficiency, and biodiesel quality, this study aims to identify the most effective catalyst for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil. The research methodology will involve experimental setups where waste cooking oil will be subjected to transesterification reactions using various catalysts under controlled conditions. Parameters such as reaction temperature, catalyst concentration, and reaction time will be optimized to maximize biodiesel yield and quality. The obtained biodiesel samples will be analyzed for key properties such as viscosity, density, flash point, and composition to assess the impact of different catalysts on the final product. The findings of this research are expected to provide valuable insights into the selection of catalysts for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil, offering guidance to industry stakeholders and researchers in improving the sustainability and efficiency of biodiesel manufacturing processes. By understanding how different catalysts influence the production of biodiesel, this study contributes to the advancement of green technologies and the utilization of waste resources for renewable energy production.