In an exciting development for the biofuel sector, a team led by Octora Radhila Widya Putri from the Department of Chemistry at the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has successfully synthesized a new mixed oxide catalyst, LaNiCeO2, using varying amounts of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency of deoxygenating waste cooking oil (WCO) but also opens up fresh avenues for sustainable fuel production, particularly relevant for maritime industries looking to transition to greener energy sources.
The team explored different proportions of MCC—12.5%, 25%, and 37.5%—to determine how these variations affect the catalyst’s performance. The results were promising. The catalysts were thoroughly characterized using advanced techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), revealing a stable CeO2 phase across all samples. As the MCC content increased, so did the catalyst’s surface area and pore volume, making them more effective for the intended deoxygenation process.
Among the different formulations, the LaNiCeO2-25% MCC catalyst stood out, showcasing the best physicochemical properties for catalytic applications. In practical tests, the LaNiCeO2-12.5% MCC variant achieved a remarkable 100% conversion rate of WCO, yielding a liquid product with a hydrocarbon selectivity of 98%. “The excellent catalytic performance is due to the synergistic interaction between Ni, Ce, and La metals,” Putri noted, emphasizing how these elements work together to enhance the deoxygenation reaction.
For the maritime sector, where there’s a growing push for cleaner fuel alternatives, the implications of this research are significant. The ability to convert waste cooking oil into high-quality biofuels could provide a sustainable energy source for ships, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. With the shipping industry under increasing pressure to comply with stricter environmental regulations, innovations like LaNiCeO2 could pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Furthermore, the commercial viability of this catalyst could stimulate interest from biofuel producers and shipping companies alike, fostering partnerships that promote the use of waste oils as a resource. As the world moves toward more sustainable practices, developments like these, published in the “BIO Web of Conferences,” highlight the potential to not only enhance fuel efficiency but also contribute to a circular economy in the maritime sector.
