Catalytic Cracking of Used Cooking Oil Using Cobalt-impregnated Carbon Catalysts

This study investigated the cracking of used cooking oil using cobalt-impregnated carbon catalysts (Co-carbon) to produce biofuel. Carbon was impregnated with cobalt at concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3% to produce Co-carbon catalysts. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated the amorphous nature of the catalysts. SEM-energy-dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed the successful impregnation of cobalt into carbon at levels of 4.46%, 6.74%, and 0.86% and further revealed that the Co-carbon catalysts contained pores and that each of them was slightly unique. The cracking procedure was conducted at 450 degrees C, 500 degrees C, and 550 degrees C. Analysis of the catalytic cracking products revealed that the highest liquid oil fraction was obtained by catalytic cracking at 500 degrees C using 1% Cocarbon catalyst, which also provided the lowest activation energy (E-a). Catalytic cracking using 3% Co-carbon provided the highest yield of diesel oil (C12-C18) in the product.