Revolutionizing waste cooking oil: Enhancing quality and physicochemical properties through Silica embedded Chitosan membrane

Prior research indicates that chitosan membranes exhibit a highly rigid and non-porous morphology, limiting their utility in filtration applications. To enhance the performance characteristics of chitosan membranes, modification strategies are necessary. Incorporation of amorphous silica into chitosan membranes presents a potential solution to address deficiencies in their physical and mechanical attributes. The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the impact of amorphous silica content on the physicochemical properties of chitosan-silica composite membranes derived from rice husk (RH) by acid hydrolysis. Acid treatment routes produce amorphous silica particles with high purity and more controlled structural properties as compared to other routes like open burning. The membranes were characterized for their morphological, functional group and thermal properties, ensuring their suitability for the purification process. The experimental setup involved the filtration of used cooking oil through the silica-chitosan membrane, targeting the removal of contaminants such as free fatty acid, water, and particulate matter. The results show a substantial reduction in impurity content. This study contributes to the development of sustainable and cost-effective methods for purifying waste cooking oil, making it a viable feedstock for biodiesel production.