The use of Waste Duck Eggshells for Sustainable Energy Production

Abstract In this study, waste duck eggshells were processed into high grade CaOheterogenous catalyst for the esterification-transesterification of palm kernel oil (PKO) to obtain biodiesel. The production processes involved are calcination of duck eggshells into CaO, XRD and XRF analysis of CaO produced, PKO fatty acid components determination, transesterification of the esterified PKO and the formulation of a suitable model. High biodiesel yield of 84% was obtained at catalyst concentration of 9 wt./wt. %, reaction time of 2 hours and methanol/oil mole ratio of 13, using CaO catalyst (derived from duck eggshell). The good quality of biodiesel produced was ascertained by its properties that fall within ASTM specifications (kinematic viscosity of 4.1 mm2/s, flash point of 195°C, density of 869kg/m3, water content of 0.045 v/v %).