Temitope Odetoye from the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Ilorin has developed biodiesel using heterogeneous catalysts derived from chicken eggshells.
Odetoye shared this achievement in Ilorin during the university’s 253rd Inaugural Lecture.
She explained, “The trans esterification experiment was conducted using a two-factor, three-level central composite design, with catalyst concentration and reaction time identified as key factors affecting biodiesel yield.”
Ms. Odetoye highlighted that the results demonstrated eggshells as a cost-effective and promising catalyst source for biodiesel production.
She emphasized that utilizing eggshells could enhance the value of poultry production and reduce waste in the poultry industry.
The lecturer underscored that biodiesel is considered a sustainable alternative fuel. However, she acknowledged that the high production cost compared to fossil fuels remains a significant challenge in biodiesel production.
Odetoye defined biofuel as fuel derived from biomass, encompassing biocrude, biodiesel, biooil, biogas, bioethanol, biosyngas, and bioslurry fuels.
As an expert in chemical engineering, Odetoye emphasized Nigeria’s abundant lignocellulosic biomass residues that can be harnessed in more environmentally friendly ways.
She highlighted that open burning of biomass residues leads to environmental pollution, particularly during the dry season, and proposed biomass waste pyrolysis as a viable method to convert waste into valuable resources, creating opportunities for skilled engineers and technicians while improving environmental cleanliness.
