Optimization of Lemongrass Oil-Based Biodiesel Production Using Heterogeneous Catalysts: A Sustainable Approach

Abstract

This paper states that it is possible to optimize the production of biodiesel using lemongrass oil with a heterogeneous catalyst which provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to the existing fossil fuels. In optimized conditions, the transesterification process with the use of changes in methanol-to-oil ratio, catalyst concentration, and reaction time had a maximum yield of 93% of biodiesel. The biodiesel produced fulfilled the ASTM fuel standards with desirable density, viscosity, and flash point levels. Analysis of emissions substantiated that the emission of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and smoke opacity were considerably lower than those of fossil diesel, which highlights its environmental advantage. Moreover, the heterogeneous catalyst was found to be recyclable in numerous cycles with minimum loss of efficiency which increased the economic feasibility of the process. In general, the results confirm the potential of lemongrass oil as a potential non-edible feedstock and heterogeneous catalysis as a resourceful technique in clean biodiesel production that can be effectively used in large-scale renewable energy systems.