PREPARATION OF A BIFUNCTIONAL CATALYST FROM PALM OIL MILL SLUDGE FOR THE FAME PRODUCTION

ABSTRACT The global transition toward renewable energy has positioned biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters - FAME) as a critical alternative to fossil fuels. However, conventional biodiesel production is often hindered by the high cost of refined feedstocks and the environmental challenges associated with homogeneous catalysts. This research investigates the development of a novel, waste-derived bifunctional catalyst synthesized from Palm Oil Mill Sludge (POMS) and Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) to promote a circular economy and enhance the efficiency of the transesterification process. The methodology involved the pretreatment, calcination, and functionalization of POMS and PKS using wet and incipient impregnation methods. The catalysts were modified with Tungstic Acid (H2WO4H_2WO_4H2WO4) and Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3K_2CO_3K2CO3) to impart both acidic and basic active sites, enabling the simultaneous esterification of free fatty acids (FFAs) and transesterification of triglycerides. The prepared catalysts, specifically POMS-3 and PO-PK-II, were characterized using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) to evaluate their elemental and structural properties. Results from the XRF analysis revealed that silicon (SiO2SiO_2SiO2), calcium ($CaO),andiron(), and iron (),andiron(Fe_2O_3$) were the dominant elemental components. XRD analysis identified Quartz as the primary crystalline phase, providing thermal and mechanical stability, followed by Woodhouseite, Goethite, and Sylvite. The presence of iron-containing phases (acidic) and potassium/calcium-containing phases (basic) confirmed the bifunctional nature of the catalysts. Notably, PO-PK-II exhibited higher potassium and goethite content, suggesting superior performance in handling low-quality feedstocks with high FFA content. The study concludes that POMS-derived catalysts offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and highly active alternative for FAME production, effectively valorizing industrial waste into high-value catalytic materials. Keywords: Biodiesel, FAME, Bifunctional Catalyst, Palm Oil Mill Sludge (POMS), Transesterification, Waste Valorization, Heterogeneous Catalysis.