Optimized biodiesel production from mixed non-edible oils using advanced computational techniques and a novel bifunctional liquified catalyst: Compatibility assessment in IC engines

Abstract

A synergistic combination of oils from Ceiba pentandra, Mahua longifolia, and Azadirachta indica can be harnessed to produce biodiesel, effectively mitigating the seasonal constraints associated with relying on a single feedstock. A novel bifunctional liquid catalyst sulfonate ester was prepared and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques to confirm its capability in efficient biodiesel conversion. Using a 4 % bifunctional catalyst, a 98 % biodiesel yield was achieved, with optimization of methanol/oil ratio, temperature, and stirring speed through RSM, and validation against ANN and ANFIS predictions. The biodiesel properties met EN and ASTM standards, ensuring compatibility. Engine tests under full load conditions examined various blends (B0-B100) and compression ratios (16–20). At a compression ratio of 19, the B20 biodiesel blend outperformed others by achieving the highest brake thermal efficiency of 30.42 % and the lowest brake-specific fuel consumption, measuring just 0.219 kg/kWh. In addition to these efficiency gains, the use of higher biodiesel blends led to a substantial decrease in exhaust emissions relative to pure diesel. The findings from this research advocate for the adoption of biodiesel from mixed non-edible oils as a green and sustainable replacement for conventional diesel fuel.