Chemistry investigatory

project

Preparation of

BIODIESEL
from vegetable oil

Name - Meet padwal

class - XII - B
Roll no. - 19
Board roll no. -

Teachers:
Rupa patil
Jitendar chand
Lab assisstance:
 INDEX

1. Acknowledgement
2. Certificate
3. Introduction
a. What is Biodiesel?
b. Definition and significance.
4. History of Biodiesel
a. Origin and early developments.
b. Milestones in biodiesel production and use.
5. Purpose of Biodiesel
a. Reasons behind its creation.
b. Environmental and economic motivations.
6. Chemical Composition and Production
a. Chemical structure and raw materials.
b. Transesterification process explained.
7. Uses of Biodiesel
a. Applications in various sectors.
b. Advantages over traditional fossil fuels.
8. India’s Role in Biodiesel Development
a. Policies and initiatives.
b. Achievements in biodiesel production.
9. Future Prospects
a. Challenges and opportunities in biodiesel
production.
b. Research and technological advancements.
10.Preparation
11.Procedure
12.Conclusion
13.Bibliography
Introduction
What is Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable,
biodegradable fuel derived
from natural sources such as
vegetable oils, animal fats,
and used cooking oils. It is
produced through a chemical
process called
transesterification, which
converts oils and fats into
fatty acid methyl esters
(FAME), the primary
component of biodiesel.
Unlike conventional diesel
derived from fossil fuels,
biodiesel is an eco-friendly Significance &
alternative, offering
significant reductions in Importance
greenhouse gas emissions and The reliance on non-renewable
environmental pollutants. fossil fuels has raised concerns
like air pollution, global warming,
and resource depletion. Biodiesel
offers a sustainable solution by
reducing emissions and supporting
energy security. Its compatibility
with existing diesel engines
without significant modifications
makes it a practical and eco-
friendly alternative.
Biodiesel not only reduces harmful
emissions like carbon monoxide,
particulate matter, and unburned
hydrocarbons but also promotes the
reuse of waste oils, which might
otherwise contribute to
environmental degradation.
History of Biodiesel
Origin and early development
The origin of biodiesel dates
back to the late 19th century
when Rudolf Diesel demonstrated
his engine running on peanut oil
at the 1900 World Exhibition in
Paris. He envisioned vegetable
oils as alternative fuels to
support agriculture and promote
energy independence. However, the
rise of fossil fuels overshadowed
these early developments.
Modern biodiesel research began
in the 1930s and 1940s with the
transesterification process,
enabling vegetable oils to be
converted into usable fuel. Milestones
During World War II, fuel Key milestones in biodiesel
shortages prompted some countries production include Rudolf Diesel's
to explore biodiesel as an 1900 demonstration of his engine
running on peanut oil, highlighting
alternative. Interest in
the potential of vegetable oils as
biodiesel resurged during the
fuel. The 1930s and 1940s saw the
1970s oil crisis, leading to development of the
advancements in production transesterification process, making
methods and feedstock biodiesel production more feasible.
diversification. By the 1990s, During World War II, biodiesel
countries like Germany and the gained attention as a substitute
U.S. had established biodiesel as for scarce fossil fuels. The 1970s
a renewable fuel, paving the way oil crisis spurred renewed
for its global adoption. interest, leading to advancements
in technology and feedstocks. By
the 1990s, biodiesel became a
mainstream renewable fuel, with
Germany and the U.S. implementing
large-scale production and policies
supporting its use.
Purpose of Biodiesel
Reason behind its creation
Biodiesel was created as a response
to growing concerns about the
environmental and economic impacts
of fossil fuels. Rising air
pollution, greenhouse gas emissions,
and global warming necessitated a
cleaner and renewable fuel
alternative. Biodiesel was developed
to reduce dependency on non-
renewable resources, lower carbon
emissions, and promote sustainable
energy solutions. Additionally, it
aimed to provide a way to repurpose
waste oils and fats, support
agricultural economies by utilizing
plant-based feedstocks, and ensure Environmental
energy security in the face of
depleting fossil fuel reserves. Motivations
Biodiesel was developed to address the
pressing environmental issues caused by
fossil fuels, including air pollution,
greenhouse gas emissions, and global
warming. It produces significantly lower
emissions of harmful pollutants like carbon
monoxide, particulate matter, and sulfur
oxides. Biodiesel is biodegradable and non-
toxic, making it a safer alternative for
the environment. Its use contributes to
reducing the carbon footprint and
mitigating climate change by recycling
waste oils and utilizing renewable
resources.
Economical Motivations
Biodiesel was developed to address the pressing environmental issues caused
by fossil fuels, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and
global warming. It produces significantly lower emissions of harmful
pollutants like carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and sulfur oxides.
Biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic, making it a safer alternative for
the environment. Its use contributes to reducing the carbon footprint and
mitigating climate change by recycling waste oils and utilizing renewable
resources.
Chemical Composition and
Production
Chemical structure and raw
materials.
Biodiesel can be produced from a
variety of raw materials, including:
1. Vegetable Oils: Common oils
include soybean, canola, palm,
and sunflower oils. These are
high in triglycerides, which are
converted into biodiesel.
2. Animal Fats: Fats from animals
like tallow, lard, and poultry
fat are used as feedstocks.
3. Used Cooking Oils: Recycled oils
from restaurants or food
processing industries are a Transesterification
sustainable and cost-effective
source of biodiesel. Process
4. Non-Edible Oils: Oils from plants Transesterification is the key
like jatropha, algae, and castor chemical process used to convert
seeds, which are not used in food oils and fats into biodiesel. It
production, are also utilized for involves reacting a triglyceride
biodiesel. (the main component of vegetable
These feedstocks are rich in oils or animal fats) with an
triglycerides (molecules consisting alcohol, usually methanol, in the
of glycerol bound to three fatty presence of a catalyst, typically
acids), which undergo sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium
transesterification with methanol to hydroxide (KOH). The process results
produce biodiesel. in the formation of biodiesel (fatty
acid methyl esters, FAME) and
glycerol (a by-product).
Uses of Biodiesel
Applications of Biodiesel
in Various Sectors
1. Transportation - Biodiesel is
widely used as an alternative
fuel for diesel engines,
providing a renewable option for
vehicles such as cars, trucks,
buses, and even ships.
2. Agriculture - Biodiesel supports
the agricultural sector by
providing a market for crops like
soybeans, canola, and jatropha,
which are used as feedstocks.
3. Power Generation - Biodiesel can
be used in power plants for
electricity generation, Advantages of Biodiesel
especially in areas where
renewable energy sources are a
Over Traditional Fossil
priority.
4. Industrial Use - Biodiesel is
Fuels
1. Environmental Benefits - Biodiesel
utilized in various industrial
significantly reduces harmful
processes, such as in the
emissions compared to traditional
production of heating oil for
fossil fuels.
factories, hospitals, and
2. Renewability - Unlike fossil fuels,
residential heating.
which are finite and depleting,
5. Household Heating - Biodiesel is
biodiesel is a renewable resource
used in residential heating
derived from plants, animal fats,
systems as a cleaner alternative
and waste oils.
to traditional heating oil.
3. Lower Carbon Footprint - Biodiesel
6. Aviation - Biodiesel, in its
produces lower carbon dioxide (CO₂)
refined form, is also being
emissions over its lifecycle.
tested for use in aviation.
4. Energy Independence - Biodiesel
7. Marine Industry - Biodiesel is
reduces dependency on imported
used in marine engines as a
petroleum, enhancing energy
sustainable fuel for ships and
security and promoting local
boats.
production of fuel.
5. Economic Benefits - Biodiesel
production supports local
agriculture and the economy by
creating jobs in farming, fuel
production, and distribution.
India’s role in biodiesel
development
Policies and Initiatives
Promoting Biodiesel
1. National Biodiesel Policy (India)
- The Indian government has
introduced various policies to
promote the production and use of
biodiesel. The National Biofuels
Policy (2018) encourages the use
of biodiesel as a renewable
energy source.
2. Biodiesel Purchase Agreements
(BPA) - In India, the government
has implemented biodiesel
purchase agreements (BPAs) to
ensure a steady demand for Achievements in
biodiesel.
3. Blending Mandates - Several Biodiesel Production
countries, including India and
1. The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)
the U.S., have set blending
and other state-run oil companies
mandates requiring a certain
have made efforts to scale up
percentage of biodiesel to be
biodiesel production, focusing on
mixed with conventional diesel.
using waste oils and non-edible
4. Incentives for Biodiesel
feedstocks like jatropha and algae.
Producers - Many governments
2. The country has also made
provide financial incentives, tax
advancements in increasing
rebates, and subsidies to
biodiesel's market share in the
biodiesel producers to encourage
transportation sector.
domestic production.
3. The European Union has successfully
5. Programs such as the National
implemented the Renewable Energy
Biofuels Development Program
Directive (RED II), setting
(NBDP) in India and initiatives
ambitious targets for biofuels,
by the U.S. Department of Energy
including biodiesel, in reducing
support research on improving
greenhouse gas emissions.
biodiesel yield and reducing
4. Advancements in Algae-Based
production costs.
Biodiesel
6. The EU has set mandates to
5. Improved Feedstock Utilization
increase the use of biofuels like
6. International Collaborations
biodiesel as part of its
Renewable Energy Directive (RED
II).
Future Prospect
Challenges and opportunities
in biodiesel production
1. Feedstock Availability
2. Production Costs
3. Technical Limitations
4. Land and Water Use
5. Infrastructure and Market
Acceptance

1. Waste Oils as Feedstocks

2. Non-Edible Crops
3. Advanced Biofuels
4. Government Policies
5. Energy Security

Research and Technological Advancements

in Biodiesel Production
1. Feedstock Diversification: Research is focused on exploring non-edible
crops (e.g., jatropha, algae) and waste oils (e.g., used cooking oil,
animal fats) to reduce competition with food production and lower
costs.
2. Algae-Based Biodiesel: Algae, with its high oil content and rapid
growth, is being explored as a promising feedstock. Research is
advancing in algae cultivation, oil extraction, and conversion
technologies to make it commercially viable.
3. Advanced Transesterification Techniques: New catalysts, such as
heterogeneous and enzymatic catalysts, are being developed to improve
biodiesel yields and efficiency while reducing by-product formation.
4. Genetic Engineering: Advances in genetic engineering aim to create
high-yielding, oil-rich crops that are more resistant to pests and
environmental stress, further enhancing biodiesel production potential.
5. Improved Production Processes: Technologies like supercritical fluid
processing and microwave-assisted transesterification are being
explored to increase biodiesel yields, reduce energy consumption, and
lower production costs.
6. Biodiesel from Waste Biomass: Research is focused on converting waste
biomass (e.g., agricultural residues, municipal waste) into biodiesel,
providing a sustainable and low-cost feedstock source.
 PREPARATION
Aim: To synthesize biodiesel from vegetable oil using the
transesterification process.
Materials Required:
•Vegetable Oil: The type of oil used (e.g., soybean oil,
sunflower oil).
•Alcohol: Methanol or ethanol.
•Catalyst: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide
(KOH).
•Apparatus: Beakers, measuring cylinders, stirring rod,
separating funnel, and heat source.
THEORY: Biodiesel is produced through a chemical process
known as transesterification, where triglycerides in
vegetable oil react with an alcohol (usually methanol or
ethanol) in the presence of a catalyst to form fatty acid
methyl esters (fame), commonly known as biodiesel, and
glycerol as a byproduct.
Triglycerides: these are the main components of
vegetable oils and are composed of three fatty acid
chains attached to a glycerol backbone.
Alcohol (methanol/ethanol): used to break the bonds
between the fatty acids and glycerol in the
triglycerides.
Catalyst (sodium hydroxide/potassium hydroxide): the
catalyst speeds up the transesterification reaction,
allowing the conversion of triglycerides into biodiesel
more efficiently.
The catalyst, usually sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium
hydroxide (KOH), is essential for the transesterification
reaction. It helps in the deprotonation of alcohol,
creating a strong nucleophile that can attack the carbonyl
carbon of the triglycerides, leading to the formation of
biodiesel and glycerol.
 PROCEDURE
1. Preparation of Catalyst Solution: Weigh 3 grams of
sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and dissolve it in 100 ml of
methanol. Stir the solution until the NaOH is
completely dissolved. This is your catalyst solution.
2. Mixing: Measure 200 ml of vegetable oil and pour it
into a clean beaker. Slowly add the catalyst solution
to the vegetable oil while stirring continuously.
Ensure that the mixture is well-mixed.
3. Reaction Setup: Heat the mixture to 60°C using a hot
plate or water bath. Maintain this temperature for 1-2
hours to allow the transesterification reaction to
proceed. Stir the mixture occasionally.
4. Separation: After the reaction time is complete, allow
the mixture to cool and settle. The mixture will
separate into two layers: the upper layer (biodiesel)
and the lower layer (glycerol). Transfer the upper
layer (biodiesel) into a separate beaker using a
separating funnel or decantation.
5. Washing: Wash the biodiesel with warm water to remove
any residual catalyst or impurities. Add a small amount
of warm water to the biodiesel, shake well, and let it
settle. Repeat this process until the wash water is
clear.
6. Drying: Remove excess water from the biodiesel by
heating it gently or using a drying agent such as
anhydrous sodium sulphate. Ensure that the biodiesel is
completely dry.
7. Analysis: Measure the yield of biodiesel obtained. Test
the properties of the biodiesel, such as viscosity,
density, and compare them with those of conventional
diesel.
8. Disposal: Dispose of the glycerol and any chemical
waste according to local regulations. Clean all
apparatus used during the experiment thoroughly.
 CONCLUSION
Biodiesel stands as a promising alternative to traditional
fossil fuels, offering significant environmental and
economic benefits. It helps reduce harmful emissions,
mitigates climate change, and provides a renewable source
of energy that can reduce dependence on non-renewable
resources. The process of biodiesel production through
transesterification is efficient and scalable, with
advancements in feedstocks, technologies, and processes
making it increasingly cost-effective.

Although challenges such as feedstock competition,

production costs, and infrastructure limitations exist,
ongoing research and technological innovations continue to
address these issues. Countries like India, the U.S.,
Brazil, and those in the European Union have made
remarkable progress in biodiesel production, demonstrating
its potential as a key player in global energy transition
strategies.

With supportive policies, continued innovation, and

increased global collaboration, biodiesel can play a
significant role in achieving sustainable energy goals and
contributing to a cleaner, greener future. It presents an
opportunity to create a circular economy, reducing waste
and utilizing renewable resources, ultimately benefiting
both the environment and the economy.
 BIBILIOGRAPHY
1. Books -
a. Vyas, A., & Rapp, R. (2017). Biodiesel: Production
and Properties. CRC Press.
b. Demirbas, A. (2010). Biodiesel: A Realistic Fuel
Alternative for Diesel Engines. Springer.
2. Research Papers and Articles
a. Lam, M.K., & Lee, K.T. (2012). "Biodiesel production
from renewable feedstocks: From the past to the
future." Energy, 42(1), 124-133.
b. Hossain, A.K., & Islam, M.R. (2010). "Biodiesel
production from non-edible oils: A critical review."
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 14(9),
3469-3487.
3. Websites
a. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). (2023).
"Biodiesel Research." Retrieved from www.nrel.gov
b. Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
(2020). "National Biofuels Policy." Retrieved from
www.mnre.gov.in
4. Government and Industry Reports
a. International Energy Agency (IEA). (2021). "The
Future of Biofuels." Retrieved from www.iea.org
b. U.S. Department of Energy. (2022). "Biodiesel Annual
Report." Retrieved from www.energy.gov
5. Journals
a. Renewable Energy (Elsevier)
b. Bioresource Technology (Elsevier)
c. Journal of Cleaner Production (Elsevier)