On Wednesday, September, 17 ,2026 Al-Khwarizmi College of engineering held a master thesis defense in the field of Biochemical engineering titled “Utilization of Prepared Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Production of Economical Biodiesel from Low-Quality Oils”, for the master candidate (Ghufran Amir Abdullah) at the thesis defense hall, where a degree of passing with distinction was awarded for her research findings.
The committee is composed of the following members:
- Professor Dr. Zaidon Mohsen Shukoor, Chair
- Professor Dr. Ghanim Saddam Hasan, Examiner
- Lecturer Dr. Hasan Hadi Hasson, Examiner
- Assistant Professor Dr. Ziad Tarek Ismail, Examiner and Supervisor
The study aimed to produce biofuel (biodiesel) from extracted algal oil using a prepared heterogeneous catalyst based on potassium hydroxide (KOH) supported on ZSM-5, with the objective of developing a low-cost and environmentally friendly technology for clean and sustainable energy production.
The results demonstrated the successful conversion of algal oil into biodiesel with high efficiency. The optimum transesterification conditions were determined to be a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 7:1, catalyst loading of 5 wt.%, reaction temperatures of 69.7 °C, and reaction time of 94.5 minutes. Under these conditions, the highest biodiesel yield of 94.7% was achieved, along with a notable reduction in reaction time and energy consumption.
This study represents an important scientific step toward supporting sustainable energy alternatives and strengthening national efforts in the field of clean energy. It contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7, concerning affordable and clean energy; SDG 12, concerning responsible consumption and production; SDG 13, concerning climate action through the reduction of emissions and pollution; and SDG 9, concerning industry, innovation, and infrastructure. This reflects the role of scientific research in supporting sustainable development and serving society.
