Fe(III) doped ZnO nano-assembly as a potential heterogeneous nano-catalyst for the production of biodiesel

Abstract

Bimetallic Fe(III) doped ZnO (FZO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized to be utilized as heterogeneous nano-catalysts. The synthesized NPs were characterized using various physical techniques. Average particle size and surface area of NPs were found to be 76.24 ± 17 nm, and 12.39 m2 g−1, respectively. Designed nano-catalyst was found to be soft ferromagnetic in nature, with 1.32 ± 0.2 emu g−1 magnetization and 75.52 ± 2 Oe coercivity. FZO NPs indicated efficient transesterification reaction using soybean oil and methanol. The biodiesel was produced within 3 h, and was found to be remarkably rich in C18 methyl esters. The heterogeneous catalyst was recovered around 90 ± 2% and exhibited excellent transesterification ability upon its reuse. Therefore, the present study postulates the designed bimetallic FZO NPs as a potential heterogonous nano-catalyst for the efficient production of biodiesel.