2024 AIChE Annual Meeting

Circular Technology Framework for Biodiesel Production from Non-Edible Cassia Fistula Seed Oil

This poster presents a circular technology framework for biodiesel production using Cassia Fistula seed oil, an abundant and non-edible feedstock in India. The framework integrates high-selectivity biocatalysts derived from Cassia Fistula to enhance the transesterification process, boosting yield and minimizing reliance on conventional catalysts. This innovation promotes sustainable fuel production and aligns with circular economy principles.

Captured CO₂ emissions are converted into methanol through a catalytic process, which is then utilized in the transesterification reaction. This closed-loop system effectively repurposes CO₂, reducing greenhouse gases and contributing to the sustainability of biodiesel production. Methanol acts as a key reactant in this cycle, promoting a more sustainable fuel supply chain.

The framework also explores biodiesel blends with fossil fuels to improve engine performance and reduce emissions, with the potential to incorporate emissions from biodiesel combustion into the petrochemical industry. The use of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for CO₂ adsorption and separation improves emissions capture and enables more efficient methanol production.

Additionally, nano-additives are investigated for their role in enhancing fuel stability and combustion efficiency, further reducing emissions. This circular approach offers considerable benefits for the automotive industry, helping meet stringent emissions standards while advancing energy efficiency and sustainability.

Keywords: Biodiesel, Cassia Fistula, CO₂ conversion, circular economy.