Characterization of coconut shell - plantain peel as a dual potential biochar catalyst of biodiesel application

This study aims to synthesize a bifunctional catalyst from a mixture of powdered coconut shell and plantain peel, denoted as coconut-banana peel biochar (CP). The focus is on characterizing CP, particularly the CP2 sample heated to 700 degrees Celsius, using FT-IR, XRD, TGA and BET analyses. The experimental setup highlights the significance of CP2 in biodiesel applications. The results reveal the superior performance of CP2 over CP1 and CP3, specifically showcasing its enhanced catalytic activity. The comprehensive characterization employs FTIR, BET, TGA, and XRD techniques, providing numerical values for essential properties of CP2, such as surface area (147.179 m2/g) and pore diameter (76.04478 Å). CP2 properties, including its high catalytic activity, suitable surface area, and sufficient pore diameter, make it promising for biodiesel applications, particularly in catalysis and gas separation processes. The optimal balance achieved by CP2 in surface activity, adsorption capacity, and the ability to accommodate larger molecules further emphasizes its potential. In conclusion, CP2 emerges as a dual-functional biochar catalyst with promising applications in biodiesel production. Acknowledging the unique features of CP1 and CP3 in different contexts underscores the versatility and potential broader applicability of the synthesized biochar catalysts.