Optimization and Analysis of Biodiesel Production from Nannochloropsis - Derived Oil Using Response Surface Methodology with Central Composite Design

Biodiesel production from Nannochloropsis is investigated in the current study. Based on the extraction studies, the used biomass is composed of ۵۰% saponifiable lipids, which turns this species to a vulnerable feedstock for biodiesel production. It should also be noted that the acidity of the obtained crude bio-oil is higher than ۲ mg KOH/g, hence it was attempted to survey the biodiesel production from the obtained oil through the esterification reaction with the aid of response surface methodology (RSM). According to the data, the highest biodiesel yield (۹۹.۵%) from the bio-oil is obtained at a reaction temperature of ۶۹°C, a reaction time of ۳۰ min, a methanol to oil molar ratio of ۹:۱, and an H₂SO₄ concentration of ۰.۱۳ wt.%. In the next step, the in-situ extraction and esterification of Nannochloropsis were investigated at the observed optimum reaction conditions. Based on the analysis, biodiesel yield from the dry cell weight of the biomass is considered to be ۱۶%, which accounts for ۹۹% conversion of bio-oil to biodiesel.

کلیدواژه ها:

Biodiesel ، Esterification ، Nannochloropsis microalgal ، Response Surface Methodology (RSM)