Assessment of the Yield Response from Parsley Biodiesel Production Using Calcium Oxide as a Potential Catalyst

Abstract

The need to develop renewable fuels in order to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change is constantly growing, and biofuels can solve the problem. Moreover, research into ecologically friendly and sustainable energy fuels such as biodiesel is rapidly gaining momentum. The yield response of parsley biodiesel was evaluated by the utilization of calcium oxide which is a solid heterogeneous catalyst. The impact of catalyst loading, alcohol: oil ratio and temperature on the yield of parsley biodiesel was also assessed. The obtained result from the experimental analysis revealed that a high biodiesel yield of 96.5% can be obtained using 3 wt% of catalyst amount, 60 °C temperature of the reaction, and 9:1 alcohol-to-oil ratio at a fixed reaction time of 180 minutes. The biodiesel generated was characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, the fuel properties of biodiesel were well within the ASTM D6751 requirements. As a result, parsley biodiesel can be used as a diesel fuel alternative.