Effect of acid and base catalytic transesterification on the methyl ester profile of biodiesel

Abstract

The study investigates the effect of acid (H2SO4) and base (KOH) catalyzed transesterification on the fatty acid profile of biodiesel derived from palm and sunflower oils. A factorial 2x2 experimental design was employed, comparing the two catalysts and oil types, with three repetitions per treatment. Results revealed that potassium hydroxide (KOH) promoted higher yields of monounsaturated fatty acids (e.g., oleic acid) in both oils, while sulfuric acid (H2SO4) favored polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., linoleic acid). Sunflower biodiesel showed a significant increase in linoleic acid (59%) with H2SO4, whereas palm biodiesel retained higher saturated fatty acids (e.g., palmitic acid) with KOH. The findings highlight the catalytic influence on biodiesel composition, impacting properties like oxidative stability and cold flow. Base catalysis proved more efficient for triglyceride conversion, while acid catalysis excelled in preserving unsaturated fatty acids.