Synthesis of Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oils Using Chicken Eggshell-Derived Calcium Oxide: A Sustainable Approach

The need for clean, renewable energy sources has led to extensive research in the field of biodiesel production. This study explores the synthesis of biodiesel from waste cooking oils, including sunflower oil, palm oil and coconut oil, using a novel catalyst derived from chicken eggshells. The catalyst, Calcium Oxide (CaO), was prepared through a simple calcination process, effectively utilizing eggshell waste. The biodiesel production process involved transesterification, wherein the waste oils were reacted with methanol in the presence of the CaO catalyst. The synthesized biodiesel was characterized using ASTM standards for viscosity, flash point, cloud point and pour point. Results indicate that the biodiesel properties meet the ASTM specifications, validating its suitability as an alternative fuel source. Furthermore, the use of waste cooking oils and eggshell-derived CaO catalyst contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing waste and utilizing renewable resources. This study demonstrates the potential of repurposing waste materials for energy production, offering a viable solution to the challenges posed by fossil fuel dependence. Keywords Biodiesel; Eggshell catalyst; Transesterfication; Waste cooking oil; Nanocatalyst