BIODIESEL PRODUCTION USING SILK COTTON SEED OIL : A REVIEW (KEY IJP************067)

• Mohammed Abdullas Khan

Abstract

The potential of Ceiba pentandra (silk cotton seed oil) as a sustainable and non-edible feedstock for biodiesel production. Given the increasing need for renewable energy, this study evaluates the suitability of silk cotton seed oil due to its favorable fatty acid profile and ability to grow on marginal land without intense cultivation. Traditional transesterification methods are discussed alongside innovative catalytic systems, especially the use of zeolite-diatom composite catalysts, which offer advantages like reusability, high thermal stability, and the ability to handle high free fatty acid content. The paper also highlights the comparative benefits of heterogeneous acid catalysts over traditional homogeneous ones, citing their cleaner processing and compatibility with low-quality feedstocks. Furthermore, studies demonstrating high biodiesel yields using zeolite-based catalysts reinforce their promise for scalable and efficient production. Despite its advantages, the economic feasibility of large-scale biodiesel production from Ceiba pentandra remains a concern, with high initial investments and the need for process optimization. Nonetheless, the environmental benefitssuch as biodegradability, reduced emissions, and waste utilizationmake it a compelling candidate for future biodiesel applications, including transportation and aviation, provided ongoing research addresses the economic and technical challenges.