Preparation of Pineapple Peel Activated Carbon Supported by Graphene Oxide as a Potential Catalyst for Biodiesel Production

A novel catalyst was synthesized to produce biodiesel or also known as fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) via transesterification reaction of castor oil. Conventional carbon activation method was used in producing activated carbon (AC) from waste pineapple peel (PP). Pineapple peel activated carbon (PPAC) was impregnated into graphene oxide (GO) to prepare a supported catalyst. Fourier Transform-InfraRed (FT-IR) revealed significant peaks to confirm activation of PP and impregnation of GO to PPAC. This was further supported by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images which showed a difference in textural morphology. Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) analysis was done to reveal a high melting temperature for the supported catalyst. Among the values investigated, the best mass ratio of GO-PPAC and the catalyst loading for transesterification of castor oil were1: 3 and 3% by weight, respectively.