Biodiesel production from waste frying oil by electrochemical method using stainless steel electrode

Abstract

Biodiesel production from waste frying oil is important in terms of effectively utilizing waste and reducing production costs. It is important that the production method of biodiesel is environmentally friendly, economical, and sustainable. For this purpose, electrochemical transesterification process with stainless steel electrodes instead of rare metal electrodes was preferred in this study for biodiesel production. In this study, where SS304 class AISI 304 stainless steel was used as an electrode, biodiesel was produced from waste frying oil by electrochemical method. An electrolyte was prepared with 8:1 molar ratio of methanol, 2% by weight distilled water, 2% THF, 0.5% NaCl and waste frying oil. The conversion efficiency and fuel properties of biodiesel produced in the electrochemical process lasting 3 hours with a reaction voltage of 20 V were determined. The results were compared with biodiesel produced by conventional methods. According to the results, a conversion efficiency of 68% was achieved in the electrochemical process. Moreover, it has been determined that biodiesel properties are compatible with EN 14214.