Preparation and application of heterogeneous catalyst based on KOH impregnated activated carbon from rubber seed kernel for biodiesel synthesis

Research to explore the potential of rubber seeds kernel as a carbon source for the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts has been carried out. This study aimed to characterize rubber seed kernel carbon, impregnate it with KOH, and apply it as a heterogeneous catalyst in biodiesel synthesis. In this research, rubber seed kernel was powdered then carbonized in a furnace for 4 h at 500°C, followed by activation with HCl for 1 h and dried. The resulting activated carbon was impregnated with KOH solution for 3 h at 80°C. After pre-drying, it was calcined at 500°C for 3 h. The rubber seed kernel powder, activated carbon, and KOH impregnated carbon were characterized using SEM-EDX and FTIR. KOH impregnated carbon was used as a heterogeneous catalyst in coconut oil transesterification for biodiesel synthesis. The parameters studied were catalyst load (2 - 4%) and reaction temperature (55 - 65°C). Molar ratio of oil to methanol and time were set at 1:9 and 2 h, respectively. The highest yield (96.43%) was obtained at 3% catalyst load and reaction temperature of 60°C.