Improving the Oxidative Storage Stability of Biodiesel Treated With Lemon Peel Extract: A Sustainable Natural Antioxidant for Lipid Oxidation Control

Abstract

ABSTRACT Biodiesel has become a feasible alternative to conventional diesel fuel due to its environmentally approachable and renewable source. In this context, Annona muricata seed oil is considered an alternative agriculture waste feedstock resource for the production of biodiesel among the different feedstocks that are accessible in India. However, the low oxidative stability of A. muricata methyl ester (AMME)/biodiesel, which causes gum development and breakdown during long‐term storage, limits its practical utilization. Lemon peel extract (LPE) was investigated in this study for the first time as a natural antioxidant to improve biodiesel–diesel mixtures' storage stability. The effectiveness of LPE was also contrasted with that of Pyrogallol (PY), a synthetic antioxidant that is frequently employed. Fuel samples were examined every 2 weeks while the synthesized AMME and its blends were kept at room temperature for 12 weeks. ASTM standards were used to establish key fuel properties such as kinematic viscosity, acid value, and oxidation stability. The Rancimat technique was used to assess oxidation stability. The LPE with 3000 ppm concentration effectively enhances the oxidation stability. FTIR confirmed delayed hydroperoxide formation with the addition of LPE and statistical significance confirmed correlation between viscosity and acid value. While the natural antioxidant LPE showed outcomes that were very equivalent, the synthetic antioxidant PY performed slightly better. Therefore, for enhancing the storage stability of biodiesel, LPE can be regarded as a safer, more environmentally friendly, non‐toxic, and more affordable option than synthetic antioxidants.