Preparation of Activated Carbon-Based Catalyst from Candlenut Shell Impregnated with KOH for Biodiesel Production

Abstract

Candlenut shell is an agricultural waste which can be processed into low-cost active carbon. Activated carbon cannot be used directly as a heterogeneous catalyst in transesterification of biodiesel because of its low alkalinity, thus treatment is required. In this study, the carbonization of candlenut shells was conducted at 500°C for 4 h. The activated carbon obtained was modified by impregnation with potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution. KOH concentration used was 50g/150 ml aqua des and impregnation time was 24 h. The impregnated activated carbon was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy - energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and was further tested as a heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production.

Furfural Synthesis from Mikania mircantha using Sulfonated Carbon Catalyst Derived from Candlenut Shell

“…The powder has irregular shape, uneven, and nonporous surface. These phenomena is also reported by other researchers [7,18,19]. This situation indicates that the powder has small surface area.…”

Widely used catalysts in biodiesel production: a review

“…A mixture with different ratios of Ag on ZnO were prepared, where 10 wt% ZnO@Ag was found to be the most active catalyst producing 96% FAME under the optimum reaction conditions. In the recent past, Taslim et al 129 also demonstrated the efficacy of low-cost AC-based catalysts developed from candlenut shells (an agricultural waste) through the impregnation of KOH for biodiesel production from WCO. The results obtained have shown a yield of biodiesel up to 96.65% using the optimized reaction conditions.…”

Widely Used Catalysts in Biodiesel Production: A Review

“…% ZnO@Ag was found to be the most active catalyst producing 96 % FAME under optimum reaction conditions. In the recent past, Taslim et al 129 also demonstrated the efficacy of low-cost AC-based catalyst developed from candlenut shell (an agricultural waste)…”