Kinetics of extraction and in situ transesterification of oils from spent coffee grounds

Kinetics of oil extraction from SCGs using n-hexane as solvent was studied as a function of temperature, solvent to solid ratio and water content. We have found that oil extraction times could be as low as 10 min due to higher diffusion coefficients of oils from SCGs. Further, we demonstrate, for the first time, the successful in situ transesterification of SCGs using different concentrations of sodium hydroxide as a catalyst and methanol to oil mole ratios. Both of these outcomes show promise for lowering biodiesel production costs from SCGs, a ubiquitous waste product around the world.