Tetrahydrofuran-Assisted Transesterification Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oil

Abstract

Base-catalysed transesterification of waste cooking oil for the production of biodiesel was assisted by the addition of co-solvent tetrahydrofuran (THF). In addition to lowering of reaction temperature and reduction in reaction time for transesterification, THF facilitated production of methyl ester in a single phase. THF-assisted base-catalysed reaction was optimised for various parameters. Maximum biodiesel production (92.8%) was obtained with 4% THF, 0.6% sodium methoxide (catalyst), 6:1 methanol-to-oil ratio, 45 min reaction time and 50°C reaction temperature. Added to this, maximum glycerol recovery (18.62%) was obtained at 50°C using lower concentrations of THF (2%). Use of THF highlights even more economically viable and greener potential for biodiesel production as this co-solvent is non-toxic, un-reactive and of biomass origin.