Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Palm Oil via Sodium-Hydroxide-Catalyzed Transesterification in a Tubular Microreactor

Biodiesel production can be improved using new microdevice technologies that increase reaction efficiency and yield. Biodiesel synthesis from palm oil was conducted through transesterification using a sodium hydroxide catalyst, and a compact polytetrafluoroethylene microreactor with a 1 mm diameter was used. The effect of methanol-to-oil ratio, temperature, and catalyst concentration was explored to determine the optimal conditions for producing fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). The highest FAME yield reached 90.30%, with a short residence time of 10.85 min. The final product had a density of 0.848 to 0.909 g/mL and a viscosity of 4.038 to 24.987 CSt, showing the method’s effectiveness.