Conversion of Palm Oil to Biodiesel Using TiO2/Monmorillorite (MMT) Composite Catalyst from Aceh Tamiang Bentonite

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to produce TiO2/Monmorillorite (MMT) composites as a biodiesel catalyst characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, to see the percentage of biodiesel production, it will be characterized using Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). TiO2/MMT composites are used as a catalyst for the production of biodiesel from palm oil. The composite sample was prepared with using the solid state method and it was enough to mix TiO2 and MMT powder with a ratio of 25:75 wt%. In the biodiesel production process, the authors use the transesterification method, where the ratio between methanol and palm oil with a molar ratio of 12: 1 and TiO2/MMT composites catalyst is 3 grams. The transesterification process was carried out at a reaction temperature of 60° C for 3 hours. The results showed that the TiO2/MMT composites catalyst did not experience acid activation to produce biodiesel from palm oil. Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) produced in this process is 60.89%.