Synthesis of Ceiba pentandra biodiesel using ultrasound and infrared radiation: Comparison and fuel characterisation.

Abstract

The continuous expending of the economy and population in modern society has caused an increase in energy usage. Currently, fossil fuels and renewable energy are used to generate energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. A significant effort has been made globally to address the issue of rising emissions by boosting the usage of renewable energy. In comparison to fossil fuels, biodiesel has many benefits, including the ability to be produced from a wide range of feedstocks, the ability to be renewable, and the reduction of atmospheric pollution emissions. Besides, advanced technologies can help the biodiesel sector meet the energy demand while producing high-quality biodiesel. The Ceiba pentandra was used for biodiesel production using ultrasound-infrared applications in the present research work. The study aims to produce biodiesel for a better conversion rate and improve fuel properties. Comparisons were conducted using a combination of infrared ultrasound versus ultrasound irradiation. The results show that ultrasound produced the highest yield of 98.76% when the conditions were as follows: methanol/oil ratio: 60%, KOH: 1%, reaction time: 50 minutes. Yet, the addition of infrared on ultrasound has also produced a high conversion yield in a shorter time than ultrasound. A 98.42% biodiesel yield option when using infrared-ultrasound irradiation with conditions as follows: methanol/oil ratio: 60%, KOH: 1%, reaction time: 30 minutes. As both applications were examined, the ultrasound-infrared application was preferable in saving time and energy constraints for biodiesel production. The fuel properties were found to be equivalent to ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 biodiesel standards.