Synthesis of green and non-toxic biodiesel from non-edible seed oil of Cichorium intybus using recyclable nanoparticles of MgO

Abstract

Our current investigation aimed to explore Cichorium intybus as a novel and nonedible seed oil (34% w/w) producing plant species for green and sustainable production of biodiesel to contribute an alternative substitute to depleting fossil fuel reservoirs. Transesterification of Cichorium intybus seed oil was catalyzed by green nanoparticles of MgO synthesized with Parthenium hysterophorus leaf extract. The highest yield of 95% of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) was achieved with optimal reaction conditions of methanol to oil molar ratio 9:1, catalyst loading of 0.83 (wt%), time 180 (min) and temperature 85 °C at constant stirring. Physiochemical characterization of the catalyst was carried out which revealed pure and nano nature of synthesized nano-catalyst. MgO nanoparticles exhibited maximum reusability up to the 6th reaction. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR 1H and 13C) validated methyl ester formation in the sample of biodiesel. Findings of Gas Chromatography/Mass spectroscopy signified four distinct peaks of methyl esters with 9-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester found as representative fatty acid methyl ester. Fuel properties of methyl ester were found equivalent to ASTM D-6571 and EN 14214 standards. This investigation has disclosed that green nanoparticles of MgO are highly efficient in biodiesel production from Cichorium intybus seed oil during transesterification reaction.