By Yemi Olakitan
In a significant breakthrough, Professor Temitope Elizabeth Odetoye, a Chemical Engineering professor at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), has successfully produced biodiesel through the exploration of a chicken eggshell-derived heterogeneous catalyst.
This achievement is in line with UNILORIN’s commitment to developing homegrown technology to boost Nigeria’s socio-economic progress.
Professor Odetoye’s feat, accomplished through a “transesterification experiment,” demonstrates that eggshells are an affordable potential catalyst source for biodiesel production.
According to reports,this discovery highlights the value-added potential of eggshells in the poultry production process and the minimization of waste in the poultry industry.
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Biodiesel is considered a sustainable fuel alternative, but its high production cost compared to fossil fuels remains a significant drawback.
By utilizing eggshells, a readily available and affordable resource, Professor Odetoye’s method offers a promising solution to this challenge.
Defining biofuel as fuel made from biomass, Professor Odetoye emphasized Nigeria’s abundant lignocellulosic biomass residues waiting to be explored through more environmentally friendly methods.
The open burning of biomass residues has led to environmental pollution, especially in the dry season.
Biomass waste pyrolysis, a potential means of converting waste to wealth, could create opportunities for skilled engineers and technicians. When the ensuing fuel is deployed for massive usage, it would make the nation’s physical environment cleaner and more conducive to healthy living.
Professor Odetoye’s groundbreaking work contributes to the global pursuit of sustainable and affordable biofuel production methods, aligning with the University of Ilorin’s mission to foster innovation and socio-economic development.
