Feedstock For Biodiesel Production Research Articles

Effects of Temperature and Nitrogen Limitation on Growth and Lipid Production of Oleaginous Microalgae from Hot Springs

Oleaginous microalgae have gained increasing attention as an alternative feedstock for biodiesel production due to the increasing demand of fuel, climate change, and global warming. This study aimed to isolate and screen robust microalgal strains from hot springs for cultivation in subtropical and tropical areas. The newly isolated oleaginous microalgae were cultivated at 30, 35 and 40 °C. Among mesophilic and thermophilic strains tested, Chlamydomonas sp. HP59 is considered the most robust strain as it showed high cell growth in a broad range of temperatures (30 - 40 °C), with the maximum dried cell weight at 40 °C. Un-optimal temperatures for cell growth did improve lipid content by 2 - 4 folds. To increase lipid production, the 2-stage cultivation, in which nitrogen-rich was applied to promote cell growth in the 1st stage and nitrogen-limitation was applied to stimulate lipid accumulation in the 2nd stage, was performed. The high temperature combined with nitrogen-limitation did improve lipid production by all microalgae. With this strategy, Chlamydomonas sp. HP59 showed the highest dried cell weight of 4.33 g/L and lipid production of 1.72 g/L. This study has shown the potential use of the newly isolated oleaginous microalgae from hot springs to be cultivated at high temperatures and under nitrogen-limited conditions for the production of biodiesel feedstocks. HIGHLIGHTS Mesophilic and thermophilic oleaginous microalgae were isolated from hot springs. Un-optimal temperatures for cell growth did improve lipid content by 2 - 4 folds. Combined effect of high temperature and nitrogen limitation effectively increased lipid content. Two-stage cultivation gave high dried cell weight and hence overall high lipid production. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Physicochemical properties of lard oil and rubber seed oil blends and their comprehensive characterization

Physicochemical properties of lard oil and rubber seed oil blends and their comprehensive characterization

Kinetics, thermodynamics, and optimization analyses of lipid extraction from discarded beef tallow for bioenergy production

ABSTRACT The wide expansion of the meat industry generated tremendous amounts of animal-based waste. Discarded beef tallow (DBT) is one of those prevalent lipid-rich wastes disposed of by slaughterhouses, meat processing units, and tanneries. The current study utilized the advanced technology of supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) to extract lipid content from DBT for biodiesel production through transesterification. The effects of SC-CO2 parameters on the extraction rate were investigated over ranges of (32–80°C) for temperature, (10–50 MPa) for pressure, and (15–150 min) for treatment time. Using response surface methodology (RSM), both processes of SC-CO2 and transesterification were optimized. The highest extraction rate was 86.10%, obtained at the experimental conditions of 60°C for temperature, 30 MPa for pressure, and 120 min for treatment time. For the transesterification, the maximum yield of biodiesel was 95.15%, obtained at the reaction conditions of 1:7.5, 1.16 wt%, 58°C, and 72 min for lipid to methanol molar ratio, catalyst ratio, temperature, and time, respectively. The outcomes of the kinetic and thermodynamic analyses showed that the SC-CO2 extraction was an endothermal, unspontaneous, and temperature-dependent process. The characteristics of the synthesized biodiesel largely comply with the ASTM D6751 and EN 14,214 standards. The findings of the current study confirm the viability of SC-CO2 to extract lipids from DBT as a low-cost feedstock for biodiesel production.

Production of Bio-Diesel from Dairy Waste Scum

Abstract-Dairy factory waste scums are increasingly being considered a valuable resource. However, these wastes may also contain contaminants, natural or artificial, that may adversely affect the land or water to which they are discharged. The study investigates the potential of using dairy waste scum as a feed stock for bio-diesel production. Present study optimized the parameters involved in the alkali catalysed Trans esterification process of dairy waste scum oil. The effects of methanol to oil ratio, temperature and amount of KOH were investigated. A study was conducted to evaluate the capability of production of biodiesel from consortium of native microalgae culture in dairy farm treated waste water. Native algal strains were isolated from dairy farm waste waters collection tank (untreated wastewater) as well as from holding tank (treated wastewater). The consortium members were selected on the basis of fluorescence response after treating with Nile red reagent. Preliminary studies of two commercial and consortium often native strains of algae showed good growth in waste waters. A consortium of native strains was found capable to remove more than 98% nutrients from treated waste water. The biomass production and lipid content of consortium cultivated in treated waste water were 153.54t ha-1 year-1 and 16.89%, respectively. 72.70% of algal lipid obtained from consortium could be converted into biodiesel. The present study found that bio- diesel from dairy waste scum is quite suitable as an alternative to petroleum diesel with recommended fuel properties as per ASTM standards. By using dairy waste scum as a feed stock for bio diesel and the environmental impact related to the disposal of dairy scum Keywords: Environment,Bio-Diesel,Dairy Waste Scum, Extraction of Lipids

The potential of third-generation biodiesel from Tolypothrix sp. CACIAM22 as a feedstock

Renewable energy has been recognized as an alternative to fossil fuels as a step to transform the energy produced and consumed worldwide. Cyanobacteria and microalgae are currently being considered as substitutes to the traditional feedstock used to produce biofuels due to their ability to achieve high amounts of lipids under cellular stress conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the utilization of Tolypothrix sp. CACIAM 22 cyanobacterial biomass as a feedstock for biodiesel production, specifically by examining the effects of supplementing with hydrolysate of Brazil nutshell (HBNS) on biomass generation, lipid production, fatty acid composition, and quality of synthesized biodiesel. The supplementation of HBNS led to a significant increase of 12g.L−1 in wet biomass production. The lipid content reached 41 % of the biomass produced in HBNS supplemented cultures when nitrate source was deprived. The quality evaluation of cyanobacteria-derived biodiesel was performed using Biodiesel Analyzer ver 2.2 software, revealing superior quality compared to biodiesel produced from plant sources. The biodiesel exhibited values of 23 h for oxidative stability, 65 for cetane number, and an iodine index of 31 (g I2. 100 g−1fat), indicating promising potential as a renewable source. This study is the first to utilize HBNS as an organic supplement for cyanobacteria culture medium and assess its impact on biomass and lipid production in Tolypothrix sp., supporting the hypothesis of utilizing this biomass as a renewable feedstock for biodiesel production as a viable alternative to plant sources based on biomass production, lipid productivity, and biodiesel quality.

Experimental and simulation study of American saffron seed oil blended with diesel

In a variety of industries, including transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing, diesel engines are often employed. Due of rising prices and environmental concerns, researchers examined whether biodiesels might replace diesel. The current study looks into American Saffron Oil's feasibility as a feedstock for biodiesel production. The transesterification technique is used to extract American saffron oil methyl este(ASOME), which is then examined for its physical and chemical properties in accordance with ASTM standards. Diesel fuel and American Saffron Oil methyl ester are mixed on a volume basis to create a variety of fuel blends, including B20, B40, and B60. The test results showed that the 20 % ASOME mix had better performance and reduced emissions. Also, utilizing DIESEL-RK simulation software, diesel engine tests are conducted for the B20, B40, and B60 under identical operating circumstances. Moreover, diesel engine testing for the B20, B40, and B60 are carried out using DIESEL-RK simulation software under comparable operating circumstances. Results of simulation software tests show improved engine performance and reduced pollutants. When experimental data is compared to DIESEL-RK modeling software, it is found that brake thermal efficiency increased by 5.7 % and emissions of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide decreased by 2.5 % and 14.3 %, respectively.

Managing ecosystem services in oleaginous forests for bioenergy provision and climate change mitigation

Oleaginous forests provide diverse ecosystem services, including timber, seed yield (a vital feedstock for biodiesel production), and substantial carbon savings. These carbon savings encompass carbon sequestration related to timber growth and carbon savings resulting from substituting fossil fuel with biodiesel. However, oleaginous forests are vulnerable to seed wasp attacks (disservice), which significantly threaten both seed yield and carbon savings. Using an integrated ecological-economic model that includes Faustmann's Land Expectation Value model and a pest damage control model, we aim to understand the intricate relationship among multiple ecosystem services and disservices of oleaginous forests. The results reveal four distinct phases contingent on varying pesticide application rates: the pesticide under-use phase, substitution phase, complementary phase, and over-use phase. Notably, a potential avenue to minimize pest damage is identified during the complementary phase by reducing the optimal rotation age at the expense of decreased carbon sequestration and bioenergy provision, posing a challenge to climate change mitigation. These findings have implications for formulating policies to manage conflicting ecosystem services of energy forests, offering valuable insights into the intersection of sustainable forest management and climate policy.

Comparism of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS) in Optimisation of Soybean Soapstock Biodiesel Production

Soybean soapstock (SS), a lipid rich by-product of soybean oil production is a promising feedstock for the production ofbiodiesel due to its availability and affordability. In the esterification and transesterification reactions involving soyabeansoapstock, sodium hydroxide, methanol and n-hexane were used as catalyst, solvent and co-solvent respectively. The physico-chemical properties of the biodiesel obtained were determinedusing the Association of Analytical Chemist (AOAC) and American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) methods. The esterification and transesterification reactions were optimised using both response surface methodology (RSM) under design expert 7.0 platform and Particle swarm technique in ANFIS (ANFIS-PSO) using the MATLAB software. The optimized acid value from the esterification reaction using RSM and ANFIS-PSO were 4.956 and 1.488 while the yield obtained were 97.29% and 99.91%respectively with ANFIS-PSO proving to be the better optimization technique in both cases. Comparison plots made for both reactions shows the ANFIS-PSO curve mirroring the experimental and thus signifying a closer trend when compared to the RSM curve. The suitability of the ANFIS-PSO prediction was further highlighted by the error analysis carried out on both techniques. The Residual sum of squares (RSS), Mean absolute error (MAE), Root mean square error (RMSE), Correlation coefficient (R), Coefficient of determination (R<sup>2</sup>), Adjusted R<sup>2</sup>, Absolute average deviation (AAD) and Mean absolute percent error (MAPE) values for the ANFIS-PSO predictions in both reactions were better than the RSM predictions. It can thus be concluded that soybean soapstock is a viable feedstock for biodiesel production and ANFIS-PSO is a more efficient optimization technique when compared with RSM in esterification and transesterification of soybean soapstock.

Comparison of the physicochemical properties of microalgae biodiesel with other oilseed feedstocks for sustainable energy production: A meta-analysis

Biodiesel has emerged as an alternative diesel fuel, offering environmental advantages such as biodegradability, non-toxicity, and low emissions. This study conducted a meta-analysis to compare microalgae biodiesel with other oilseed feedstocks for sustainable energy production. The analysis involved compiling a database of published articles on biodiesel derived from microalgae and plant seeds. The results demonstrated that microalgae are one of the most promising feedstocks among various oilseeds. The cetane number and fuel density of biodiesel from microalgae were significantly higher than those from plant seeds (p<0.05). In conclusion, microalgae are a suitable feedstock for biodiesel production, surpassing traditional oil and crop sources, and can potentially mitigate the expansion of conventional agricultural practices. Moreover, microalgae can be cultivated year-round and in various climates, allowing for extended production seasons and site flexibility. Additionally, their utilization of waste streams as nutrient sources and non-requirement of arable land can contribute to reducing the environmental impact on other industries.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BIODIESEL PROPERTIES DERIVED FROM WASTE MUSTARD OIL AND FRESH MUSTARD OIL

This study investigates the production of biodiesel from waste mustard cooking oil and fresh mustard oil, focusing on their comparative properties. Biodiesel, a renewable energy source, offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, mitigating environmental concerns and enhancing energy security. The production process involves transesterification, converting triglycerides into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), the primary constituents of biodiesel. Waste cooking oil, often discarded improperly, poses environmental challenges due to its disposal. Utilizing it for biodiesel production presents an eco-friendly solution while addressing waste management issues. Mustard oil, a common edible oil, serves as a viable feedstock for biodiesel production, offering potential economic benefits and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

Performance characteristics of marine diatoms Cylindrotheca sp. and Trieres chinensis under nutrient limitation and their potency as feedstock for biodiesel production

Microalgae-derived biodiesel is commonly studied and recently gained attention as a possible substitute feedstock for production of biodiesel. In this study, the potential of marine diatoms, Cylindrotheca sp. (FPU 0031) and T. chinensis (FPU 0030), for production of biodiesel was evaluated by investigating the effect of nutrient limitation (100, 75, 50, and 25 % Roschin medium) on growth behavior response, lipid productivity, and FAME profiles of the diatom strains. The total lipid yield increased under nutrient-limited culture condition. When the concentration of the nutrient was restricted to 50 %, the average lipid yield of Cylindrotheca sp. and T. chinensis were 19.32 and 21.72 % with lipid productivity of 73.46 and 68.19 mg L−1 day−1, respectively. Nutrient limitation resulted in a decrease in biomass yield and an increase in the lipid yield of the diatom strains. The properties of biodiesel generated by the two diatoms were assessed based on FAME profiles using empirical equations. Results showed that Cylindrotheca sp. and T. chinensis conforms to the biodiesel standards specifications set by EN 14214 and ASTM D6751. The predicted properties of biodiesel observed for Cylindrotheca sp. and T. chinensis were both ideal, e.g. good cold filter plugging points (−6.94 °C and − 2.16 °C), cetane numbers (65.57 and 75.29), cloud points (1.81 °C and 7.75 °C), pour points (1.60 °C and − 4.86 °C), and low kinematic viscosities (2.89 and 2.16 mm2 s−1), respectively. Thus, suggesting the potential use of these diatoms as feedstock for producing biodiesel with high-grade fuel characteristics.

Exploring the peel ash of musa acuminate as a heterogeneous green catalyst for producing biodiesel from Niger oil: A sustainable and circular bio economic approach

Currently, biodiesel stands as a sustainable and renewable alternative to depleting fossil fuels like petro-diesel. The widespread adoption of biodiesel production holds promise for enhancing environmental quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting societal-economic development. In line with this, our research has focused on synthesizing biodiesel from the novel and edible seed oil of Niger oil, utilizing a green catalyst derived from the calcination of banana peel ash at 600 °C for 4 h. Advanced characterization techniques, including X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Diffraction X-Ray (EDX), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), were employed to assess the catalytic activity of the catalyst. Under optimized reaction conditions a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 15:1, catalyst loading of 1% (wt.%), reaction time of 4 h, and temperature of 70 °C we achieved a commendable biodiesel yield of 92.30%. Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis of the biodiesel revealed four distinctive peaks corresponding to methyl esters. Results from Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) confirmed the presence of methyl esters in the biodiesel sample. Additionally, the fuel properties of the biodiesel, including density (0.904 kg/m3), kinematic viscosity (4.56 cst), cloud point (3 °C), pour point (2.8 °C), and flash point (149 °C), complied with international ASTM D standards. In conclusion, Niger biodiesel emerges as a highly promising, eco-friendly, reusable, and cost-effective feedstock for biodiesel production, thereby holding significant potential for advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Evaluation of the potential of activated sludge biomass from Nigeria as a feedstock for biodiesel production

AbstractDepleting fossil fuel reserves and the effects of greenhouse gases on climate change have led to the investigation of alternative energy sources such as biofuel, including biodiesel and renewable diesel. Unfortunately, the cost of the feedstock exceeds 70% of the total production cost. The current work investigates the potential of utilizing a waste product (activated sludge biomass) from wastewater treatment, as an alternative feedstock for biodiesel production. The activated sludge biomass was pretreated with subcritical water to enhance the lipid yield before extracting the lipid using solvent extraction. The result showed that lipid yield from the activated sludge was 4.73–8.58%. After subcritical water pretreatment with varying residence time, temperature, and biomass loading, the lipid yield increased by 158.04–400%. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of the fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from the transesterification of the lipid extract using calcined egg shell as a catalyst identified the following lipids: triglyceride, fatty acids, sphingolipid, phospholipid, glycerolipid, glycerophospholipid, steroid, and cholesterol. The predominant lipid was triglyceride, and the high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, including arachidonic acid (23.54%), eicosadienoic acid (8.37%), and oleic acid (6.23%) suggest that the lipid extract is a potential feedstock for biodiesel production.

Phenotypic Characterization of Citron Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) Genotypes for Bioenergy Production

Citron watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) is an important climate smart crop, characterized by high oil content in the seeds and it is a popular fruit in southern Africa. To determine best performing genotypes eight phenotypic traits were assessed to identify cultivars with potential for biodiesel production. A field experiment was conducted at Sebele Agricultural Research Station, in Southern Botswana, during 2019 to 2020 cropping season. Four (4) melon genotypes were planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design replicated three times and eight (8) characters were assessed. Except seed oil content (26.6%) there was significant (P < 0.05) difference among all the traits, an indication of higher genetic diversity in the selected citron watermelon. SC1-Sesoswane, exhibited highest seed yield (1540 kg/ha) and oil yield (435.03 kg/ha) while MMB-280-Lerotse recorded lowest seed yield and oil yield of 548.1 kg/ha and 144 kg/ha respectively. There was a significant correlation of (0.9) between oil yield (kg/ha), number of fruits produced, and seed yield (kg/ha), an indication that increasing the seed yield will positively increase the amount of oil produced. This study revealed the potential bioenergy production of the four cultivars. However, SC1-Sesoswane appears a more promising alternative cultivar for feedstock for biodiesel production.

Isolation, characterization and optimization of oleaginous Providencia vermicola as a feedstock for biodiesel production using Response Surface Methodology

Oleaginous organisms accrue more than twenty percent of their biomass as lipids and hence are promising feedstocks for biodiesel production. In this study, lipid accumulating bacteria were isolated from diesel-contaminated soils and screened with Sudan black B stain. The most oleaginous was done using 16s rRNA gene sequencing. Lipid production was initially optimized based on media, nitrogen source, pH and temperature. Response surface methodology (RSM) was then employed for the enhancement of lipid weight and content. Obtained lipid was converted to biodiesel using direct transesterification, and both lipid and biodiesel were characterized using FTIR. A total of thirteen bacteria were isolated and the most prominent lipid producer was identified as Providencia vermicola with lab number BA6. Preliminary optimization studies revealed optimum lipid production when nutrient broth and acetic acid served as carbon source; KNO3 as nitrogen source, pH 7.0 and 30 °C. Optimization using RSM resulted in a 5.1% and 74.1% increase in the biomass and lipid content of BA6 respectively. FTIR analyses confirmed the presence of functional groups characteristic of lipids and biodiesel. P. vermicola is a novel oleaginous organism that represents a promising feedstock for biodiesel production. HIGHLIGHTS The bacterium designated as BA6 identified as Providencia vermicola has the highest lipid contents of the oleaginous bacteria isolated. It accumulates lipids up to 47.73 % of its biomass The percentage lipids accumulation increased to about 74 % when RSM was used. Providencia vermicola is being reported as an oleaginous organism for the first time.

Biodiesel production from the microalgae Nannochloropsis gaditana: Optimization of the transesterification reaction and physicochemical characterization

The current environmental scenario has encouraged the study of renewable and competitive alternative feedstocks for biodiesel production. Microalgae present a significant opportunity as a feedstock that does not require arable land and can be cultivated using wastewater. The paper investigates the optimization of biodiesel production from microalgae Nannochloropsis gaditana bio-oil using response surface methodology and also analyzes the main physicochemical properties of the bio-oil. It was confirmed that this methodology is suitable for materials with low homogeneity. The model is also adequate for determining optimal experimental conditions, resulting in a FAME content of 87.25 %. The biodiesel's physicochemical properties were analyzed. It was discovered that the high degree of unsaturation in the microalgae bio-oil's chemical structure resulted in a narrower temperature range for its application compared to other vegetable sources.

Biodiesel production and characteristics from waste frying oils: sources, challenges, and circular economic perspective.

Biodiesel serves as a viable alternative to traditional diesel due to its non-toxicity, biodegradability, and lower environmental footprint. Among the diverse edible and inedible feedstocks, waste frying oil emerges as a promising and affordable feedstock for biodiesel production. Commonly waste frying oils include those derived from palm, corn, sunflower, soybean, rapeseed, and canola. The primary challenge related to biodiesel production technologies is the high production cost, which poses a significant barrier to its widespread adoption. Thus, refining the production techniques is essential to enhance yield, reduce capital expenditure, and curtail raw material expenses. An examination of the research focusing on feedstock availability, production, hurdles, operational expenditures, and future potential is pivotal for identifying the most economically and technically viable solutions. This paper critically reviews such research by exploring feedstock availability, production techniques, challenges, and costs intrinsic to biodiesel synthesis. It also underscores the economic feasibility of biodiesel production, shedding light on the pivotal factors that influence profitability, especially when leveraging waste frying oils. Through an in-depth understanding of these considerations, optimal production and feedstock choices for biodiesel production can be identified. Addressing cost and production bottlenecks could potentially enhance the economic viability of waste frying oil-based biodiesel, thus fostering both environmental sustainability and more extensive adoption of biodiesel as an environmental-friendly fuel in the future.

Utilizing Waste Cooking Oil for Sustainable Biodiesel Production: A Comprehensive Review

The environmental and economic challenges posed by the over-reliance on fossil fuels have driven the search for alternative and sustainable energy sources. Waste cooking oil (WCO) presents a viable feedstock for biodiesel production, offering a dual solution to waste management and renewable energy generation. This comprehensive review examines the current state of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil, exploring the benefits, challenges, and processes involved. Biodiesel derived from WCO has several environmental advantages, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, biodegradability, and enhanced engine lubricity compared to traditional fossil fuels. Moreover, utilizing it for biodiesel addresses waste disposal issues, reducing the contamination of land and water resources. Despite these benefits, several challenges remain, such as the variability in its composition, contamination, and the need for efficient purification and transesterification processes. The review explores various methods for converting WCO into biodiesel, highlighting the key stages of the transesterification process, including the use of catalysts, alcohols, and reaction conditions. Additionally, advanced techniques such as ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted transesterification are discussed for their potential to increase efficiency and reduce processing time. This paper also addresses the sustainability aspects of biodiesel production from it, emphasizing its role in promoting a circular economy and reducing waste. The use of its contributes to a closed-loop system, where waste is transformed into a valuable resource. Furthermore, the review explores the economic and social impacts of biodiesel production, noting its potential to create jobs, reduce import dependence, and support local communities. In conclusion, this review underscores the significant potential of waste cooking oil in sustainable biodiesel production. It calls for continued research and technological innovation to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and overcome existing challenges, thereby contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.

Demonstrating photocatalytic esterification as a potential strategy to improve the properties of feedstock oil derived from dairy waste scum for biodiesel production

The availability of quality feedstock for biodiesel production is challenging; and therefore, techniques to improve the quality of feedstock are highly desired, as they could be utilized to modify any feedstock and enhance the biodiesel production. Dairy waste scum oil (DWSO) is recently known to be a valuable feedstock for producing biodiesel. However, DWSO needs to go through an esterification process to reduce its high free fatty acid (FFA) content. To do this, herein, we have treated the DWSO using photocatalytic tin oxide (SnO2) particles under UV light irradiation and reduced the FFA content significantly compared to the conventional cumbersome acid-mediated esterification process. The synthesized catalyst is characterized for its structural, morphological, optical and surface properties using various characterization techniques. Parameters such as catalysts dosage, methanol to oil ratio, reaction time, and temperature involved in the photo-assisted esterification processes are optimized, and a mechanism for the photocatalytic esterification reaction is also proposed. Importantly, SnO2 particles also showed excellent reusability in the photo-assisted esterification process. Overall, the physiochemical and fuel properties of the photo-esterified DWSO-derived biodiesel are found to be improved compared to the biodiesel synthesized via conventional acid-esterified oil.

Exploitation of Annona reticulata leaf extract for the synthesis of CeO2 nanoparticles as catalyst for the production of biodiesel using seed oil thereof

Annona reticulata plant components such as leaves and seeds are successfully employed as low-cost and environmentally-safe sustainable materials for the synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles and biodiesel production. The synthesized CeO2 NPs worked well as a catalyst to convert A. reticulata oil into biodiesel. At a methanol to oil molar ratio of 8.97:1, a catalyst (CeO2 NPs) loading of 2.97 wt %, and reaction time of 56.4 min, the maximum 96.8 % biodiesel yield was attained. A pseudo-first-order reaction with activation energy (Ea) of 49.77 kJ/mol and a frequency factor (A) of 1.8 x 105 min−1 is consistent with the Annona reticulata methyl ester (ARME) production. The performance and emission characteristics of diesel engines were found to be significantly impacted by the use of CeO2 NPs. While the BSFC of ARME20CeO250 and ARME20CeO2100 decreased by 2.04 % and 5.10 %, respectively, the BTE of ARME20CeO250 and ARME20CeO2100 increased by 1.8 % and 2.41 %, in contrast to ARME20 at maximum load. When CeO2 nano-additive (100 ppm) is added to the ARME20 blend, the CO, HC, and NOx are reduced by 42 %, 35.59 %, and 5.94 %, respectively, in comparison to the ARME20 fuel. Thus, the A. reticulata plant may be seen as an eco-friendly source from its leaves extract, and the oil extracted from its seeds may be used as a feedstock for the effective production of biodiesel.