Kariya Pod-husks: A Novel Biocatalyst in Biodiesel Production

Abstract

Diverse challenges faced with the use of homogeneous catalysts in biodiesel production coupled with the interest in converting waste resources to useful products in solving occurring climatic and environmental challenges around the world have triggered research into the use of various heterogeneous catalysts. In this study, the catalytic properties of kariya pod-husks were investigated to examine their suitability in biodiesel production. Kariya pod-husks were ash and calcined at 600oC for 4 h. In the morphological structure examination, the scanning electron image of calcined kariya pod-husks shows that it has a more compact microstructure with a cluster of big crystals but irregular pores which is an attribute of high catalytic potentials. The elemental composition of the calcined kariya pod-husks reveals that it contains a higher percentage weight of calcium (42%) and potassium (31%) which makes it a more suitable catalyst for biodiesel production. The developed catalyst was further used in the production of kariya biodiesel. A biodiesel yield of 94% was obtained.  This study shows that calcined kariya pod-husks could catalyze biodiesel production. It also helps in proving suitable biocatalyst to solve the challenges associated with the separation of catalyst from the product stream which consequently aids in the creation of continuous chemical processes.