By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Ilorin, Temitope Elizabeth Odetoye, has produced biodiesel through the exploration of chicken eggshell-derived heterogeneous catalyst.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Professor Odetoye said that the feat was in line with the efforts of the University of Ilorin towards developing homegrown technology that would enhance the socio-economic progress of the country.

She explained that the feat was accomplished through “trans esterification experiment’’.

The don, who recently delivered the University’s 253rd Inaugural Lecture, said that the feat showed that eggshell was an affordable potential catalyst source for biodiesel production.

The renowned scholar said that “the utilisation of eggshells can add value to the poultry production process and minimise waste in the poultry industry”, adding that biodiesel had been considered one of the sustainable fuel alternatives.

She noted that the high production cost of biodiesel when juxtaposed with fossil fuel, remains one of the major drawbacks in biodiesel production.

Professor Odetoye defined biofuel as fuel made from biomass, saying: “Biofuel is synonymous with biocrude, biodiesel, bio-oil, biogas, bioethanol, biosyngas and bioslurry fuels”.

The Professor of Chemical Engineering added that Nigeria is endowed with abundant lignocellulosic biomass residues waiting to be explored through more environmentally friendly ways.

Professor Odetoye noted that the open burning of biomass residues had led to pollution of the environment, especially in the dry season.

According to her, biomass waste pyrolysis is a potential means of converting waste to wealth and would create opportunities for skilled engineers and technicians.

She added that when the ensuing fuel is deployed for massive usage it would make the nation’s physical environment cleaner and more conducive for healthy living.