Optimization of the Biodiesel Production via Transesterification Reaction of Palm Oil using Response Surface Methodology (RSM): A Review

The optimization method is vital in chemical synthesis and has been applied in many fields nowadays. Response surface methodology (RSM) is an example of an optimization method that is useful in examining the effects of multiple independent variables. RSM was applied in many studies to optimize the transesterification of biodiesel production from palm oil in the presence of a catalyst. This paper aims to provide an overview of recent catalyzed transesterification trends, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of heterogeneous, homogeneous, and enzyme catalysts in biodiesel production. RSM was used to design the process and statistically analyze the interaction effects of the independent reaction variables. The reaction variables, such as reaction time, reaction temperature, catalyst amount, and the molar ratio of the substrate, were optimized during the process. A statistical model and response surface plots were visualized graphically in the contour plots and three-dimensional figures to explain the interactive effects of variables on a response. In sum, this paper discussed the relationships between the reaction parameters and the production of biodiesel and the optimum conditions for biodiesel production using RSM.