Characterization of alumina supported chicken egg shells and potato peels for biodiesel catalyst

The growing demand for renewable energy sources has prompted the development of effective biodiesel catalysts. This study looks into the characterization of catalysts made from chicken eggshells and potato peels and supported by alumina in order to contribute to environmentally friendly catalytic solutions. The catalyst's composition, structure, and thermal stability were thoroughly investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Key findings highlight the successful integration of alumina support and the predominant presence of calcium oxide derived from chicken eggshells. Furthermore, the roles of potassium and aluminium oxide in the catalyst synthesis process were investigated. The catalyst had a significant BET surface area of 2.507 m²/g, which is crucial for catalytic efficiency. Pore structure changes were observed as a result of the alumina incorporation and calcination processes, indicating potential increases in catalytic activity. Practically, these findings hold promise for large-scale biodiesel synthesis, providing a sustainable alternative with a lower environmental footprint. This study helps to use renewable resources and develop eco-friendly energy solutions by using agricultural byproducts like chicken eggshells and potato peels. Finally, alumina-supported catalysts derived from natural sources provide a viable pathway to sustainable biodiesel production, emphasizing their importance in addressing the pressing global energy challenge.