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A novel magnetic carbon-based catalyst was prepared from solid waste (reed straw and electric furnace dust) by coprecipitation and high temperature pyrolysis with excellent application potential. Single factor and response surface experiments were used to optimize the catalyst preparation process (mass ratio of reed straw/electric furnace dust of 5:1 at 500 °C in 4 h) and biodiesel production, respectively, with results of 99.89 wt% biodiesel yield in the first cycle (93.61 wt% after 11 cycles) obtained at 74.15 °C in 4.16 h with a 14.06:1 M ratio of methanol/oil and 7.75 wt% catalyst. The life cycle assessment of magnetic carbon-based catalysts for biodiesel production suggested that the soybean oil extraction stage had the greatest impact on the environment, mainly from the use of soybeans and electricity. Solid waste as raw material to prepare catalysts for biomass energy conversion was proven to be a good strategy for energy conservation and emission reduction. This study provides guidance sustainable biomass energy conversion with low cost, low energy consumption, and minimal negative environmental impact. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Efficient co-valorization of waste cooking oil into biofuel and carbon nanotubes. • Natural biochar shows excellent deoxygenation performance and good stability. • Correlation between AAEM in biochar and selectivity of A&E and HCs in bio-oil. • Potential for obtained biofuel to serve as a precursor for jet fuel. • Feasibility and profitability of integrated production process demonstrated. Valorizing renewable precursors into high-quality biofuel and functional carbon nanomaterials can considerably improve the economic viability. Here, we propose a process for integrated production of high-quality biofuel and carbon nanotubes from waste cooking oil via catalytic pyrolysis coupling with chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology. The natural biochar catalyst demonstrates excellent deoxygenation performance and good stability in catalytic pyrolysis process. The alkali/alkaline earth metal species (AAEMs) content in biochar catalysts has a strong correlation with the selectivity of esters and hydrocarbons in bio-oil. The biofuel obtained under optimal conditions exhibited potential as a precursor for jet fuel. The CVD process convert pyrolysis gas into carbon nanotubes with yield of 2.13%. The technical–economic analysis demonstrated the feasibility of the integrated process, projecting profitability and substantial total profit over a ten-year period. Overall, this study improves the economic viability of the waste cooking oil pyrolysis process and supports its wider commercial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]