Cocoa Pod Ash as Bio-Based Catalyst for Biodiesel Production from Waste Chicken Fat

Abstract

The growing interest in using sustainable raw materials coupled with the need to reduce the over- dependence on non-renewable petroleum resources has made agricultural residues attractive raw material for biofuel production. The potential utilization of cocoa pod ash (CPA) as a bio-based catalyst for the production of biodiesel from waste chicken fat was investigated. Bio-based catalyst was obtained from cocoa pods by ashing method. The catalyst was subjected to scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The experimental design was based on a five level, two factor central composite design. CPA was used in the preparation of biodiesel from waste chicken fat (WCF) using a two-step esterification-transesterification process. The highest biodiesel yield of 75.4% was obtained at 3 wt % catalyst concentration and 2 hours reaction time. The results obtained by GCMS analysis confirmed the fatty acid methyl ester production. The biodiesel properties such as density, viscosity, saponification value, iodine value, acid value and colour suggested CPA as a potential bio-based catalyst for transesterification of oil obtained from waste chicken fat.