Trisno Afandi, Nurhayati, Amir Awaluddin, Fernando Nainggolan, Nahzim Rahmat

The Effect of KOH Addition on Cockle Shells (Anadara granosa) as Catalyst in Biodiesel Production

Introduction

The effect of koh addition on cockle shells (anadara granosa) as catalyst in biodiesel production. Explore the effect of KOH on cockle shells as an eco-friendly catalyst for biodiesel production. This study reveals how KOH addition boosts catalyst activity, improving biodiesel yield and methyl ester content.

Abstract

The utilization of waste as a source of catalytic material in biodiesel production continues to be developed, including waste from cockle shells. In this study, the addition of KOH to the suspension of calcined cockle shells was carried out to increase the catalyst activity in biodiesel production through the transesterification reaction. The catalyst was prepared through the following stages: 1) calcination of cockle shells at 900°C for 10 hours, 2) addition of KOH to the suspension of calcined cockle shells with varying K percentages of 1%; 3%; and 5%, then the mixture was calcined at 600°C. The formed catalyst contains the minerals portlandite (Ca(OH)2) and calcite (CaCO3) based on the X-Ray Diffraction test. The addition of KOH to the suspension of calcined cockle shells was successfully carried out through the K content test using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The K concentration measurement data increased along with the increase in the amount of K added, respectively at 0% K of 2381 ppm, 1% K of 2425 ppm, 3% K of 3183 ppm, and 5% K of 3800 ppm. The basicity of the catalyst was measured by titration using benzoic acid with the result of increasing basicity after the addition of KOH, each basicity of the catalyst 0% K was 1.700 mmol benzoic acid/g, 1% K was 1.700 mmol benzoic acid/g, 3% K was 1.865 mmol benzoic acid/g, and 5% K was 1.965 mmol benzoic acid/g. The catalyst activity test data in biodiesel production showed an increase in the percentage of biodiesel yield, respectively at 0% K of 56.17%, 1% K of 57.72%, 3% K of 76.33%, and 5% K of 76.85%. The catalyst activity also increased based on the measurement data of methyl ester content in biodiesel using Gas Chromatography, respectively at 0% K of 96.42%, 1% K of 97.5%, 3% K of 98.36%, and 5% K of 97.79%. The results show that the catalyst has the potential to be developed and applied in the biodiesel industry as an environmentally friendly catalytic material.

Review

This study presents a timely and relevant investigation into enhancing the catalytic activity of cockle shells for sustainable biodiesel production. The utilization of biowaste, specifically *Anadara granosa* shells, as a catalytic material aligns well with global efforts toward circular economy principles and environmentally friendly processes. The central hypothesis—that the addition of KOH to calcined cockle shells can significantly improve their performance in transesterification reactions—is clearly stated and addresses a critical aspect of developing efficient and cost-effective catalysts from readily available resources. The research focuses on a crucial area of green chemistry and renewable energy, making it a valuable contribution to the field. The methodology employed for catalyst preparation and characterization is systematic and well-articulated in the abstract. The two-stage calcination process, followed by varying KOH percentages (1%, 3%, and 5%), demonstrates a rigorous approach to optimizing the catalyst formulation. Key analytical techniques such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) confirm the presence of essential mineral phases like portlandite (Ca(OH)2) and calcite (CaCO3), while Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) validates the successful incorporation of potassium, showing a direct correlation between added K and its concentration in the catalyst. Crucially, the basicity measurements using benzoic acid titration provide compelling evidence of increased basicity upon KOH addition, directly linking the chemical modification to an improved catalytic environment. The subsequent catalyst activity tests, showing a remarkable increase in biodiesel yield from 56.17% (0% K) to 76.85% (5% K) and an enhancement in methyl ester content (up to 98.36%), effectively demonstrate the success of the proposed modification. Overall, the findings strongly support the potential of KOH-modified cockle shells as an effective and environmentally friendly catalyst for biodiesel synthesis. The clear correlation between increased KOH content, enhanced basicity, and superior catalytic activity in terms of both biodiesel yield and methyl ester content is a significant outcome. This research not only provides a viable pathway for valorizing biowaste but also offers a promising, low-cost alternative to conventional catalysts in the biodiesel industry. The potential for industrial application, as highlighted by the authors, warrants further development and scaling-up studies to fully realize the commercial viability and environmental benefits of this innovative catalytic material.

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