Production of bio-oil by pyrolysis of waste frying oil using activated red mud
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17765/2176-9168.2026v19.e13786Keywords:
Sustainable energy, Renewable biofuels, Environmental catalystsAbstract
The study investigated the production of bio-oil from waste frying oil via catalytic pyrolysis with activated red mud, aiming at sustainable energy generation and waste reuse. Pyrolysis was carried out at 450 °C, using red mud (RM) activated with 1 mol L?¹ and 2 mol L?¹ HCl, at concentrations of 5–20%. RM activated with 1 mol L?¹ HCl at 20% reduced acidity from 201.14 to 81.34 mg KOH g?¹, increased the hydrocarbon fraction to 59.18%, and achieved a net yield of 82.37%. Activation with 2 mol L?¹ HCl at 15% produced 66.8% hydrocarbons. Analyses by infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography confirmed the reduction of acidic groups and the formation of olefins (up to 38.22%) and light hydrocarbons (C?–C??) with the use of catalysts. Despite its efficiency, the final acidity exceeded the limit established by the Agência Nacional do Petróleo (ANP), requiring post-treatment. It is concluded that RM activated with 1 mol L?¹ HCl at 20% exhibits greater catalytic efficiency, indicating potential for application as a biofuel after refining steps.
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