Optimization of biodiesel synthesis under simultaneous ultrasound-microwave irradiation using response surface methodology (RSM)

Abstract

This work investigates the effect of simultaneous ultrasound-microwave irradiation on palm oil transesterification and uncovers optimal operating conditions. Response surface methodology (RSM) has been used to analyze the influence of reaction conditions, including methanol/palm oil molar ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature and irradiation time on biodiesel yield. RSM analyses indicate 136 s and 129 s as the optimal sonication and microwave irradiation times, respectively. Optimized parameters for full conversion (97.53%) are 1.09% catalyst concentration and a 7:3.1 methanol/oil molar ratio at 58.4°C. Simultaneous ultrasound-microwave irradiation dramatically accelerates the palm oil transesterification reaction. Pure biodiesel was obtained after only 2.2 min while the conventional method requires about 1 h.