Development of a Learning Module Based on Biofuel Synthesis Laboratory Research from CPO Residual of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) with Ultrasonic Irradiation Assistance

Indonesia is the largest palm oil producer in the world, of which 19 Palm Oil Mills (POM) are in Bengkulu Province. POM in Bengkulu generally processes palm fruit bunches into Crude Palm Oil (CPO) with the by-products of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) which contains CPO residues (CPO-res) as much as 0.6-1.2%. CPO-res are cheap raw materials for the manufacture of biofuels. The purpose of this study was to develop a module based on laboratory research of synthesis of biofuel. Synthesis of biofuels was done by esterification with an acid catalyst, followed by a trans esterification using a base catalyst, both reactions are carried out with ultrasonic irradiation assistance at a frequency of 45 kHz, temperature 60°C, for 30 minutes. This laboratory research was then developed as a module; the module was then used in learning chemistry after being validated by expert judgment. The biofuel has a density of 0.852 g / mL, kinematic viscosity of 1.692 cSt, fog point = 8.84 ° C, pour point = 11°C, acid number = 1.122 mg KOH / g oil and water content = 0.739%. Modules developed from research into biofuel production after being validated by expert judgment on good value (4.71) at the level of trustworthy validation trust (0.846) can be used in learning organic chemistry. Keywords—biofuel; CPO; ultrasonic irradiation; module; POME