An environmentally greener and reusability approach for bioenergy production using Mallotus philippensis (Kamala) seed oil feedstock via phytonanotechnology

Abstract

Abstract Mallotus philippensis, a novel and mostly unexplored feedstock with a significantly greater oil content of 50%, serves as the foundation of a prospective and sustainable supply for biodiesel synthesis. The most notable aspect of this research is the development and application of a bio-based green nanocatalyst with ingenuity and environmental safety via a method employing an autoclave reactor from raw conventional materials such as rotten fungus fruits infused with a nano-WO3 catalyst. The obtained catalyst was then subjected to several analyses, including scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This research focused on the potential of this unique feedstock within the limits of an industrial setting. The synthesized nanocatalyst showed promising long-term performance and great catalytic efficiency. The biodiesel production reached its peak under optimal conditions, which included a methanol-to-oil ratio of 11:1, a reaction period of 120 min at 110°C, and a catalyst concentration of 0.15% by weight. Under precisely optimized conditions, this investigation rigorously examined the effectiveness, environmental stability, reusability, and economic feasibility of this green catalyst. The findings of this study demonstrate the stability and consistency of nanocatalyst performance, particularly throughout reusability cycles.