Prof. Temitope Odetoye of the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) in Kwara State has produced biodiesel, using chicken eggshell-derived heterogeneous catalyst.

Odetoye made this known while delivering the 253rd Inaugural Lecture of UNILORIN in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Friday, April 5, 2024.

“The trans esterification experiment was based on a two-factor, three-level central composite design, while catalyst concentration and reaction time were considered the factors which had significant effects on the yield of biodiesel,” she said.

Odetoye, who lectures in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology of the university, said the yield showed that eggshell was an affordable potential catalyst source for biodiesel production.

According to her, the utilisation of eggshells can add value to the poultry production process and minimise waste in the poultry industry.

The lecturer said biodiesel had been considered one of the sustainable fuel alternatives.

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She, however, noted that the high production cost of biodiesel, compared to fossil fuel, remained one of the major drawbacks in biodiesel production.

Odetoye defined biofuel as fuel made from biomass, saying: “Biofuel is synonymous with biocrude, biodiesel, bio-oil, biogas, bioethanol, biosyngas and bioslurry fuels.”

The expert in chemical engineering added that Nigeria is endowed with abundant lignocellulosic biomass residues waiting to be harnessed in more environmentally friendly ways.

The professor noted that the open burning of biomass residues had led to pollution of the environment, especially in the dry season.

According to Odetoye, biomass waste pyrolysis is a potential means of converting waste to wealth and will create opportunities for skilled engineers and technicians.

She added that it would make the environment cleaner.

The Star