Novel Biomass-Derived Heterogeneous Catalysts: SEM/EDX Analysis and Performance Evaluation in Engine Testing of Juliflora Biodiesel-Hydrogen Blends

¹ Research scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil nadu, India
² Associate professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

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Published online: 10 March 2026

Abstract

The use of biocatalysts, derived from biomass, bones, fruits, and vegetables, has recently been investigated by researchers to overcome the energy and environmental issues posed by traditional catalysts. This research investigates the effects of two biocatalysts, derived from potato and lemon peels, on biodiesel production from Juliflora oil (JF) and evaluates the engine performance and emission characteristics of the JF biodiesel blends, both with and without the addition of hydrogen fuel as a secondary fuel additive. Peels of potato (BC1) and lemon (BC2) were used to make the biocatalysts, which were characterized using EDX and SEM. The biodiesel was produced using transesterification of JF by mixing methanol and biocatalyst in a biodiesel reactor. The biodiesel yield and properties were tested to meet the standards. The performance and emission characteristics of JF biodiesel blends were assessed by altering the engine load (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of full load) and the hydrogen flow rate (0, 3, 6, and 9 lpm) in a single-cylinder 5.2 kW Kirloskar engine. EDX and SEM analyses showed that the potato peel catalyst achieved a biodiesel production of 93%. Experimental findings indicated that the BC1JF10 blend decreased CO emissions by 8.3%, while HC and CO₂ emissions were lowered by 7.7% and 8.6%, respectively. With the addition of hydrogen at 6 lpm, the emissions of CO, HC, and CO₂ further dropped by 11.6%, 12.8%, and 9.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the hydrogen-enhanced BC1JF10 blend demonstrated a 16.3% improvement in BTE. Overall, the research indicated that the vegetable peel biocatalysts, derived from the peels of potato and lemon, have high potential to improve the biodiesel yield at reduced cost, and the biodiesel in combination with hydrogen could reduce pollutant emissions and improve engine efficiency.