Catalytic epoxidation of waste palm kernel oil using in situ performic acid formation

• Published in: Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy
• Main Author: Jalil M.J.; Ibrahim I.M.; Saputro E.A.; Habri H.H.; Rasib I.M.; Rahman S.J.A.; Azmi I.S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: John Wiley and Sons Inc 2025
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85214783151&doi=10.1002%2fep.14551&partnerID=40&md5=4589ad6625d3aab716f347d6f1a15698

The use of renewable resources in the epoxidation process can reduce the dependence on non-renewable petroleum resources and contribute to a more environmentally friendly chemical industry. This study aims to investigate the epoxidation of waste palm kernel oil as a renewable feedstock. The synthesis of epoxidized waste palm kernel oil was conducted by reacting waste palm kernel oil, formic acid, and hydrogen peroxide in a one-pot system. Currently, there is no reported literature on the simultaneous application of a catalyst for the epoxidation of waste palm kernel oil derived from industrial waste. The optimum process parameters were determined, including hydrogen peroxide to waste palm kernel oil molar ratio (1.5:1), formic acid to waste palm kernel oil molar ratio (0.5:1), and stirring speed (300 rpm). The optimum relative conversion to oxirane of epoxidized waste palm kernel oil was 88%. A mathematical model was developed using numerical integration based on the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method as follows: (Formula presented.) = 0.894 mol·L−1·min−1, (Formula presented.) = 7.420 mol·L−1·min−1, and (Formula presented.) = 0.086 mol·L−1·min−1. Based on the findings of the kinetic study, the kinetic model was validated due to its minimal simulation error. © 2025 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.