DEVELOPMENT OF SOLID CATALYST FOR BIODIESEL PRODUCTION

• Main Author: Hijran, Azra
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/84928
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Indonesia is one of the largest producers of crude palm oil (CPO) in the world, with production projected to reach 46 million tons in 2023-2024. To achieve the renewable energy mix target of 23% by 2025, the Indonesian government has implemented a B35 policy, blending diesel with fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) derived from CPO transesterification. Traditionally, homogeneous catalysts are used in this process, but their sensitivity to free fatty acids can lead to soap formation, reducing biodiesel yield. Consequently, heterogeneous catalysts are being developed for their ability to prevent soap formation and their recyclability, contributing to sustainable biodiesel production. However, certain heterogeneous catalysts require more methanol, longer reaction times, and higher temperatures, necessitating the exploration of more optimal catalyst options. This research examines the performance of K2O/?-Al2O3 catalysts in biodiesel production from RBDPO and the influence of reaction temperature, reaction time, and catalyst precursor on catalyst performance. Experiments involved transesterification using K2O/?Al2O3 catalysts synthesized with potassium iodide (KI) and potassium nitrate (KNO3) precursors, with biodiesel analysed for FAME content, acid number, saponification value, and glycerol levels. The transesterification process yielded biodiesel with FAME levels ranging from 95.84% to 98.17%, meeting the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 7182:2015) for biodiesel quality. The results indicated that reaction temperature had the most significant impact on FAME content, with higher temperatures increasing yields. Reaction time also positively influenced yields, while the type of precursor had minimal effect. It was found that optimizing reaction time and temperature with K2O/?-Al2O3 catalysts significantly enhances biodiesel production efficiency, while precursor has no significant effect.