Synthesis of nanocomposites cellulose-Fe3O4/ZnO as novel green catalyst for biodiesel production from coconut oil

Abstract

Cellulose-Fe3O4/ZnO nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized. This process was supported by characterization using Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Mapping (SEM-Mapping) instruments. The successfully synthesized-nanocomposites then were tested for a catalytic activity in the transesterification reaction to form biodiesel. The results of the biodiesel production were characterized using Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). The highest conversion of coconut oil into biodiesel was 90.6%, with a catalyst amount of 0.6% wt and a 120 minutes reaction time. The biodiesel production using GC-MS shows that the most formed-methyl esters are dodecanoic acid methyl esters (lauric acid methyl esters). The use of cellulose as a catalyst support by combining Fe3O4/ZnO composites is very promising to be a green catalyst in the reaction of biodiesel production.