Biofuel production via catalytic cracking of waste cooking oil using sulfonated activated carbon supported La/Ce bimetallic catalysts

Abstract

Abstract The use of waste cooking oil (WCO) in the production of biofuel as a renewable, clean, and environmentally friendly fuel is of great interest because it reduces the WCO related pollution issues and promote circular economy. In this project, biofuel material production via catalytic cracking of WCO over sulfonated activated carbon supported La/Ce bimetallic catalysts has been investigated. Details of the reaction results and catalyst used are analysed and discussed. The results showed that pre-treatment of the activated carbon with 20% sulfuric acid improved the hydrocarbon content in the product stream by 34% in comparison with the pristine activated carbon catalyst. The conversion has been further improved by using a sulfonated activated carbon-supported bimetallic catalyst.