With increasing urgency regarding climate change and escalating fuel prices, researchers are investigating practical, low-cost alternatives to fossil fuels. A recent study led by Professor Dr. Asokan Vasudevan of INTI International University’s Faculty of Business and Communication, in collaboration with international researchers, has successfully converted used cooking oil—an everyday waste product—into biodiesel, a cleaner-burning and more sustainable fuel.
“Most people don’t realise the potential of what they discard daily,” said Professor Dr. Asokan Vasudevan. “This project is about proving that waste can be transformed into something valuable that helps the environment.”
Professor Dr. Asokan Vasudevan collaborated with an international research team to develop biodiesel using discarded cooking oil.
The research team developed an efficient process employing a reusable, low-cost catalyst and ultrasonic waves to accelerate the chemical reaction. The outcome is a production method that is quicker, more affordable, and more sustainable than traditional approaches.
Tests indicated that the biodiesel performed well in diesel engines and significantly reduced harmful emissions, including carbon monoxide and smoke. A blend of 20% biodiesel with 80% regular diesel was determined to provide the optimal combination of engine performance and reduced emissions.
According to Professor Dr. Asokan Vasudevan, “We’re offering a solution that can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut down on air pollution, using something as ordinary as used cooking oil.”
In addition to fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions, the research offers a practical solution to waste management challenges. Rather than ending up in drains or landfills, used cooking oil can be repurposed to power vehicles, generators, and even public transport systems.
“This is a step forward in both energy and environmental solutions,” said Professor Dr. Asokan Vasudevan. “We aim to make clean energy more accessible, more affordable, and better aligned with the resources we already have.”
The findings align with global and national sustainability efforts, indicating how common waste materials can support cleaner energy options without major infrastructural changes.
The team used a reusable catalyst and ultrasonic waves to transform waste oil into cleaner-burning fuel for diesel engines.