Optimization of <i>Jatropha</i>Biodiesel Production by Response Surface Methodology

Cost of biodiesel is primarily because of factors such as the feedstock, production process and materials. Apparently, the final biodiesel product is a bit expensive compared to fossil diesel fuel. While non-food feedstock of high oil content such as Jatropha curcas has been proposed to reduce the cost due to the feedstock, a promising two-step approach of hydro-esterification can possibly offset the production cost for oil resource with high free fatty acids. Most importantly, optimization of the materials and process is expected to reduce wastage, enhance product purity and generate less wastewater. However, optimizing product generation has been dauntingly elusive because several parameters are needed to be considered holistically. In this study, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the yield and conversion of Jatropha biodiesel from J. curcas hydrolysate. An optimum Yield and conversion of 96% was achieved for both responses with an optimum temperature value of 60°C, 4 wt% for catalyst loading for 6 hrs reaction time. Findings imply that optimization study of Jatropha curcas hydrolysate for yield and conversion of fatty acid methyl esters using face centered central composite design of Design Expert 6.0.8 can ensure purity of product, conserve energy and reduce waste generation providing a significant frontier in biodiesel pricing.