Synthesis of the novel catalytic membrane of KOH/ Fe3O4-graphene oxide/PVDF for the production of biodiesel in a membrane reactor: Optimization with response surface methodology (RSM)

The objective of this study is to produce biodiesel in a membrane reactor equipped with the KOH/ Fe3O4-graphene oxide/PVDF catalytic membrane. The novel magnetic catalyst was successfully synthesized according to the characterization done by XRD, FTIR, FESEM and EDX analyses; after that, it was embedded within the polymeric matrix of the PVDF membrane via phase inversion casting. Waste cooking oil was used as the feedstock for the transesterification reaction done in the membrane reactor, and to obtain the optimum reaction conditions, response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composition design was employed. The effect of 3 independent variables of methanol/oil ratio, time, and catalyst weight were examined, and the final yield for biodiesel production peaked under optimal conditions of M/O 4, time 7.8 h, and C.W 0.82 at 93%. also, the catalytic membrane was used five times under these conditions without a significant reduction in the final yield. By using this multifunctional catalytic membrane, the biodiesel was continuously separated from other undesired products without the need for further treatments, and both the physical and chemical properties of the produced fuel were in good agreement with the standards of ASTM for biodiesel.