Paper Title
ELECTROCHEMICAL METHOD OF BIODIESEL SYNTHESIS USING DEEP EUTECTIC SOLVENTS: OPTIMIZATION VIA BOX–BEHNKEN DESIGN

Abstract
Abstract - Biodiesel is an alternative fuel to petrol-diesel which can compensate future fuel requirements and reduce pollution. Electrochemical approach of biodiesel production is an environmentally safe, and cheaper equipment process since conducted at room temperature. However, these low reaction rates have been commonly initiated with flammable cosolventsthat may adversely impact the environment. To alleviate thesechallenges,this workdevelopedcatalyst and cosolvent free electrochemical approach of biodiesel synthesis using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as supporting electrolyte.Four kinds of DESs based on choline-chloridewith ethylene glycol, glycerol, and p-Toluenesulfonicacidat various molar ratios were synthesized. Among these, choline-chloride/ethylene glycol of 1:2 molar (DES-2) demonstrated the highest efficiency of biodiesel production.Based on Box–Behnken Design, the maximumbiodiesel yield of 94.71%)was obtained at optimalvoltage of 22.06 V, DES-2amount of 7.91 wt.%,water content of 1.44 wt.%, methanol/oil of 25.09:1 molar, and reaction time of 2 h. Besides, the four cycles reusability of DES-2 showed high biodiesel yield (>80%). This study suggests that DES- assisted electrolysis is an eco-friendly, economical, and efficient process for biodiesel production. Keywords - Biofuel, Deep Eutectic Solvents, Electrolysis Method, Reusability