Abstract
Copper doped zinc ferrite Zn1-xCuxFe2O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) spinels were synthesized via sonication assisted microwave method. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, FTIR, HR-SEM, EDX, DRS and VSM analysis. Average crystallite size were in range 5.84 nm to 8.55 nm. FTIR results reveal, bands at 420 cm−1 (Zn2+O2−) and 547 cm−1 (Fe3+O2−) confirming tetrahedral and octahedral positions of the spinel structure formation. All the samples showed ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. The Zn0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 sample showed high saturation magnetization (Ms = 74.09 emu/g) and high magnetic moment (3.0 μB). The prepared magnetic nano spinels were subsequently employed to evaluate the catalytic activity for biodiesel production. The transesterification process followed pseudo first order rate kinetic model. An excellent catalytic activity for biodiesel production was acheived (98.9%) and the catalyst was recoverable quickly using an external magnet.
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