Optimization of Biodiesel Production from corn and millet waste using Fenton nano catalyst

This study investigates the biodiesel production from corn and millet waste oil blend using a Fenton nano-catalyst. The influence of catalyst concentration, reaction time, agitation speed, methanol-to-oil molar ratio, and temperature on biodiesel yield was analyzed. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to optimize the process parameters and understand the interactions between them. A 2-level, five-factor factorial design was used to analyse the effects of these parameters on the yield of biodiesel. The optimized conditions were a reaction time of 3 hours, a temperature of 50°C, an agitation speed of 300 rpm, a methanol-to-oil ratio of 9:1, and a catalyst concentration of 1.5 wt%. Under these conditions, the maximum biodiesel yield achieved was 81% (v/v). The significance of this research is that the utilization of waste agricultural products to produce alternative fuel presents an alternative to fossil fuel usage, is comparatively competitive in engine performance tests, and has very good emission control, with promising performance and emission reduction benefits for industrial applications.