Biodiesel synthesis from composite oil utilizing banana peel (Musa paradisiaca) derived catalyst and process parameter optimization using particle swarm method

Abstract

This study explores the production of biodiesel from a blend of Fresh Neem Oil (FNO) and Used Cooking Oil (UCO) using banana peel-derived biomass as a novel catalyst. The novelty of this work lies in the utilization of banana peel waste as an efficient and sustainable catalyst for transesterification, combined with the optimization of process parameters using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The high saturated fatty acid content in UCO, which negatively impacts fuel properties, is counterbalanced by the unsaturated fatty acids in neem oil, improving viscosity and cold flow characteristics. The transesterification process was optimized using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), achieving an optimal biodiesel yield of 94.12 % under conditions of 64.35 °C reaction temperature, 14.96:1 methanol-to-composite oil molar ratio, and 3.43 wt% banana peel catalyst concentration. Experimental results closely aligned with PSO predictions, demonstrating the effectiveness of this method. The banana peel catalyst, characterized through XRD, SEM, and EDX, showed high surface area and porosity, with potassium and aluminium compounds enhancing catalytic activity. This research highlights the potential of banana peel-derived catalysts and PSO for improving biodiesel production efficiency, offering a sustainable approach for cleaner fuel generation.