Waste polystyrene-based polymer membrane composite (PSSA/PVA/Nd2O3) for biodiesel production from waste cooking corn oil

Abstract

In the current work, waste polystyrene-based composite catalytic membrane (PSSA/PVA/Nd₂O₃) was prepared by solution casting method. The functional, structural, thermal, morphological, compositional properties and surface area of the synthesized composite catalytic membrane and its precursors (PSSA, PVA, and Nd₂O₃) were assessed using Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, Thermogravimetric, scanning electron microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, respectively. The newly prepared composite catalytic membrane was employed in the catalytic conversion of triglycerides in waste cooking corn oil (WCCO) to fatty acid methyl ester (FAMEs) chemically known as biodiesel. The formation of biodiesel was confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Spectroscopy. The FAMEs composition of WCCO biodiesel was ascertained by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry technique, which revealed the presence of C-12 to C-24 FAMEs at different retention times. Numerous factors, including the oil:methanol ratio (1:10, 1:15, and 1:20), catalyst quantity (1, 2, and 3 weight %), reaction duration (3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 h), and temperature (100°C–140°C), were thoroughly examined and optimized using both conventional and response surface methodology (RSM) methods. The maximum percentage yield of biodiesel was obtained at 1:20 (oil: methanol molar ratio), 3 wt % (catalyst concentration), 5 h (reaction duration), and 140°C (temperature). The best comparison was obtained between conventional and RSM optimization. The physical parameters like density, viscosity, acid number, and fuel properties like cloud point, pour point, and flash point were assessed and found within ASTM limits.