Biodiesel Production from Chlorella vulgaris via Homogenous Acid Catalyzed in situ Transesterification with Microwave Irradiation

Abstract

Acid catalyzed In situ transestrification under microwave irradiation is one of method for producing biodiesel from microalgae which is an alternative to replace fossil fuel energy. The present study investigated the the effect of microwave irradiation on the acid catalyzed in situ transesterification of Chlorella vulgaris into fatty acid methyl ester. In situ transesterification carried out using sulfuric acid catalyst with different variables such as catalyst concentration, reaction time, biomass to methanol (wt/vol) ratio and microwave power. Based on the experiment results, the optimal yield was 31,56% with reaction time was 70 minutes. From GC-MS analysis obtained that Chlorella vulgaris methyl ester profile is a medium chain fatty acid, MCFA which consist of Saturated Fatty Acid (SAFAs), Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acid (MUFAs) and Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFAs).