Environmentally friendly biodiesel catalysts were prepared through incomplete carbonization of prawn and flower crab shell, followed by loading of a modifier (K2CO3 or KF) on the resultant and then thermal activation. Scanning Electron Microscope was used to investigate the structure of the catalysts prepared. Subsequently, the catalysts were tested for their performance in catalyzing the transesterification reaction. It was found that the catalytic performance was dependent on the preparation material, such as the type of shell. In addition, these catalysts being heterogeneous in nature, can likely be reused, due to ease of recovery. The possibility of recovery was confirmed for the prawn shell KF catalyst, hence further promoting the viability of utilizing waste shell as green catalysts for synthesis of biodiesel. Quality of biodiesel was compared between the different catalysts, in terms of heat of combustion and density. Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance was used to analyze the biodiesel samples to ascertain the conversion of oil to biodiesel. Results show that the prawn shell catalyst was superior to its flower crab shell counterpart, with its percentage conversion peaking at 93.4%. This catalyst also has a porous structure and relatively small particle size, which account for its superior performance. Exhibiting high catalytic activity and environmentally friendly properties, the prawn shell catalyst has potential to be used as heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production.

Green shell catalysts for the synthesis of biodiesel

247th National Meeting (2014)

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