Optimization of the biodiesel synthesis of used cooking oil using calcined eggshell as a renewable catalyst: A study as per Minitab software
Abstract
The production of biodiesel has attracted significant attention as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels. One promising research area related to the use of renewable catalysts. In this study, we synthesized eggshell-based heterogeneous base catalysts by calcining raw eggshells at approximately 800°C for 6 hours. The characteristics of the material were determined based on XRD spectra, SEM images, and EDX spectra. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to design experiments and optimize experimental results using Minitab software (version 18). Based on the response surface methodology, a regression equation was established to describe the relationship between experimental conditions and the amount of ester in biodiesel, with a high correlation coefficient (R 2 = 0.956). The results of this study demonstrate that eggshell-based catalysts are renewable, environmentally friendly catalysts that can fully replace traditional catalysts. The RSM method based on Minitab software can enhance experimental design and optimize experimental results.