Biofuel (FAEE) Synthesized from the Blends of Oil Using Calcined Submerged Fermented Theobroma cacao pod husk

Abstract: This study utilized a combination of lard fat and waste cooking oil to synthesize biofuel, employing calcined submerged fermented Theobroma cacao pod husk as a catalyst. The oil blends were prepared in ratios of 20:80, 40:60, up to 100:0, with the aim of achieving oils with low viscosity and low acid values. The catalyst was developed and characterized through SEM, FTIR, XRD, and BET adsorption isotherm techniques. The properties of the resulting biodiesel were assessed and compared against international biodiesel standards. Results demonstrated that the blend ratio of BLW60 (60:40) yielded the optimal blended oil, characterized by low viscosity and low acid value. Catalyst analysis revealed a high CaO content of 87.65% as determined by XRD analysis. The biodiesel produced reached a maximum yield of 96.53% (wt./wt.) at a reaction temperature of 70 minutes, with a CSFCPA amount of 1.6 g, and an ethanol-oil molar ratio of 7:1. The properties of the biodiesel met international standards. The study concluded that the submerged process enhances the catalyst's basicity, and the biodiesel produced can serve as a substitute for conventional diesel. Keywords: Blends oil; Submerged; Calcined; Fermentation; Biodiesel; Physicochemical properties; FAEE