Jatropha Curcas Oil Research Articles

The Development of a Novel Aluminosilicate Catalyst Fabricated via a 3D Printing Mold for Biodiesel Production at Room Temperature

Biodiesel production has gained attention as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, but challenges related to catalyst recovery and energy consumption remain. In this study, a novel lithium-impregnated aluminosilicate catalyst (LiSA) was developed using a 3D-printed mold, providing precise control over its structure to optimize performance. The structured catalyst featured a cylindrical shape with multiple circular channels, enhancing fluid dynamics and reactant interaction in a fixed-bed reactor. Catalyst characterization by SEM, TGA, XRD, and ICP-MS confirmed high thermal stability and uniform pore distribution. Jatropha curcas oil was used as feedstock, with diethyl ether (DEE) acting as a cosolvent to improve methanol solubility and enable transesterification at room temperature. The process achieved a high fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield, averaging 97.1% over 508 min of continuous operation, demonstrating the catalyst’s stability and sustained activity. By reducing mass transfer limitations and energy demands, this approach highlights the potential of 3D-printed catalysts to advance sustainable biodiesel production, offering a scalable and efficient pathway for green energy technologies.

Uso de óleos vegetais para melhoria da resistência da madeira ao ataque de térmitas xilófagas

ABSTRACT There are various compounds to increase the natural resistance of wood, but they can be harmful to humans, domestic animals and the environment. Natural products are therefore being researched to ensure the sustainability of the environment, human health and reduce the use of traditional products. The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of andiroba (Carapa guianenses), copaiba (Copaifera spp.) and jatropha (Jatropha curcas) oils in the biological resistance of Pinus elliottii wood to arboreal termites (Nasutitermes corniger). The andiroba and copaiba oils came from communities in the municipality of Santarém, Pará, and the jatropha oil from Fazenda Tamanduá, in the municipality of Santa Terezinha, Paraíba. They were used pure and enriched with sublimated iodine (1, 3, and 5% concentration). The effects of volatilization and leaching on the efficiency of the solutions against Nasutitermes corniger were evaluated. The lowest mass losses and damages were for wood impregnated with copaiba oil, both pure and enriched with iodine. The samples subjected to leaching showed the greatest damage (score = 9.33). Termite mortality was 100% at the end of the assay for all the treatments tested. Copaiba oil can be an environmentally friendly alternative to protect wood, especially wood in direct contact with humans and domestic animals and exposed to environments where Nasutitermes corniger is likely to attack, as it has the lowest mass losses (7.51-6.14%). However, it is not exposed to situations that could cause leaching.

Paper waste-derived functionalized biochar catalyst for production of biodiesel using Jatropha curcas oil feedstock

Paper waste-derived functionalized biochar catalyst for production of biodiesel using Jatropha curcas oil feedstock

Influence of fatty acid composition on contact angle and wear rate of Jatropha curcas and sunflower’s mixture by varying compositions mixture

United Nation Sustainable Development Goals make sustainability become common goals which drives into investments of innovative product and technology focusing on sustainability. Cutting oils are generally made from mineral oil and the renewable replacement is sought after and one of them are Jatropha curcas and sunflower oil or blend of them. Viscosity and adsorption will influence the properties of cutting oil. The study concern on the relationship between percentage of JCO in the mixture to anti-wear properties and contact angle measured using goniometer contact angle and pin-on-disk tribometer by varying percentage of Jatropha curcas oil in mixtures for 2.5 %, 5 %, 10 %, 20 %, and 30 %. Also, molecular simulation is conducted through molecular dynamic in search of dipole moment, electrostatic potential, polarizability and bond energy. The approach is employed to connect molecular interaction and non-linearity trending of experiment. The experiment shows contact angle and wear scar width and also wear rate become higher when percentage of Jatropha curcas oil is higher. The lowest contact angle is 26.9 deg. and the highest is 36.9 deg. of 2.5 % and 30 % Jatropha oil. The highest wear rate is 6.77e-7 and the lowest is 2.74e-7 of 2.5 % and 30 % Jatropha oil. The simulation gives supporting basis in the finding of experiment in which the viscosity is more prominent in governing wear rate than adsorption. Increases of Jatropha curcas percentages have inversely proportional to dipole moment, polarizability, electrostatic potential and bonding which explain why the fatty acids become more adhere to the fatty acid than to surface. The finding is restricted only for idealized conditions both of molecular structure and surface.

Modeling the Effects of Temperature in Enzymatic Biodiesel Synthesis of Jatropha Oil: An Optimal Control Approach.

Biodiesel, an alternative to diesel, is produced through the enzymatic transesterification of vegetable oil or animal fats. Enzymatic transesterification of oil is gaining more importance, as this method possesses no such disadvantages that are associated with the chemical process. Temperature is the most important factor in enzymatic transesterification for biodiesel synthesis. In this study, a mathematical model is developed to understand the effects of temperature on the enzymatic transesterification of Jatropha curcas oil. Reaction rates are expressed as a function of temperature using an appropriate function, and the effects of temperature on the overall enzymatic system are investigated using the mathematical model. A suitable temperature is determined using the mathematical model, keeping the other reaction conditions unchanged that gives maximum yield. Furthermore, an optimal control problem (OCP) is formulated to identify the temperature control strategy that maximizes the biodiesel yield while minimizing production costs. Simulated outcomes obtained from the mathematical model are analogized with the experimental results to make them acceptable. The optimal profile of temperature is determined from the developed OCP, which maximizes the biodiesel yield.

Capacity building in porous materials research for sustainable energy applications.

The project aimed to develop porous materials for sustainable energy applications, namely, hydrogen storage, and valorization of biomass to renewable fuels. At the core of the project was a training programme for Africa-based researchers in (i) the exploitation of renewable locally available raw materials; (ii) the use of advanced state-of-the-art techniques for the design and synthesis of porous materials (zeolites and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)) for energy storage; and (iii) the valorization of sustainable low-value feedstock to renewable fuels. We found that compaction of the UiO-66 MOF at high pressure improves volumetric hydrogen storage capacity without any loss in gravimetric uptake, and experimentally demonstrated the temperature-dependent dynamic behaviour of UiO-66, which allowed us to propose an activation temperature of ≤ 150°C for UiO-66. Co-pelletization was used to fabricate UiO-66/nanofibre monoliths as hierarchical porous materials with enhanced usable (i.e. deliverable) hydrogen storage capacity. We clarified the use of naturally occurring kaolin as a source of silica and alumina species for zeolite synthesis. The kaolin-derived zeolite X was successfully used as a catalyst for the transesterification of Jatropha curcas oil (from non-edible biomass) to biodiesel. We also prepared porous composites (i.e. carbon/UiO-66, organoclay/UiO-66 and zeolite/carbon) that were successfully applied in electrochemical sensing.

A multi reaction kinetic model to describe the enzymatic transesterification reaction of jatropha oil using a fermented solid containing lipases

The advancement of more precise tools for sustainable process design in enzymatic biodiesel synthesis from renewable sources is crucial. Kinetics of solvent-free transesterification reactions were conducted across a temperature spectrum from 30 °C to 60 °C, utilizing Jatropha curcas oil (TG) and ethanol as substrates, alongside a fermented solid by Rhizopus homothallicus as the biocatalyst. The dynamics of chemical species concentrations were monitored through High-performance Thin-Layer Chromatography. Maximum productivities were achieved at 35 °C and 60 °C for biodiesel (293.24 and 299.02 g kg biocat−1 h−1, respectively), at 40 °C for diglycerides (1018.36 g kg biocat−1 h−1), and at 35 °C for monoglycerides (560.75 g kg biocat−1 h−1). Maximum yields were determined at 30 °C for fatty acid ethyl esters (0.56 g gTG−1), and at 40 °C for diglycerides (0.53 g gTG−1) and monoglycerides (0.30 g gTG−1). Based on the experimental findings, a kinetic model was formulated encompassing three reversible transesterification reactions. Individual reactions were structured following classical biochemical kinetics, inclusive of ethanol inhibition. Model fitting was executed through non-linear multivariable regression techniques, with the minimum of the average coefficient of variation of the residuals (ACVR) serving as the objective function. The resulting fit of the kinetic model to the experimental data proved satisfactory, with an ACVR of less than 5 % across all instances. Notably, the maximum biodiesel productivity, obtained in this work, represented the highest value, compared to other related studies, using a fermented solid as a biocatalyst.

Field Evaluation of the Efficacy of some Plant Oils for the Management of Aphis craccivora (Koch)

The Research was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Jatropha curcas (L.) and Azadirachta indica (A. Juss) for the management of Aphis craccivora (Koch) infesting cowpea. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design. The result indicated that, of the plant oils, 2 and 3 % concentrations of J. curcas and A. indica oil gave the highest reduction in A. craccivora population and the number of leaf curls per plant. Also, significantly (P≤0.05) longer vines, a higher number of pods and a higher of 100 seeds weight were obtained from cowpea plants with the application of J. curcas and A. indica respectively, compared with their respective control. The result also indicated that the application of 1, 2 and 3 % concentrations of A. indica oil led to an average of 8.42, 39.63, and 64.31 per cent increase in the total grain yield, respectively when compared with the control, while 1, 2 and 3 % concentrations of J. curcas oil resulted in 25.39, 47.27 and 69.66 % increases in the cowpea total grain yield, respectively when compared with the control. The application of Lambda-cyhalothrin led to a 69.74 per cent increase in grain yield. Jatropha curcas oil resulted in a higher grain yield than A. indica oil and compared favourably with that of Lambda-cyhalothrin. The results suggest that both oil extracts can be used by cowpea farmers for effective management of A. craccivora infesting cowpea.

Psidium guajava (guava) leaves derived functional activated carbon as a heterogeneous catalyst for conversion of Jatropha curcas oil to biodiesel

Herein, we report the development of a highly efficient activated porous acid catalyst using Psidium guajava (guava) leaves as the precursor. The synthesis involved chemical activation with ZnCl2 and sulfonation with 4-benzenediazonium sulfonate, resulting in the AC-X-PhSO3H catalyst, optimized by varying ZnCl2 ratios (X = 1, 2, 3). Comparative characterization using BET, SEM, XRD, FT-IR, and TGA revealed that AC-2-PhSO3H, pyrolyzed at 500 °C, exhibited exceptional efficiency with a maximum surface area of 492.97 m²/g and a sulfur density of 4.23 wt%. Using AC-2-PhSO3H as the catalyst, we achieved a remarkable Jatropha curcas oil (JCO) conversion (98.3 ± 0.3 %) to biodiesel under optimized reaction conditions (20:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 10 wt% catalyst loading, 100 °C, 50 min) and FAME content of 98.04 %, as confirmed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The estimated cost of biodiesel production was $0.87 per litre, largely due to the notable reusability of the catalyst (82.9 ± 0.2 % JCO conversion in the 6th run) without additional treatments, indicating significant commercial applicability and enhanced stability.

Clove oil additives in vegetable oil: an assessment of fuel properties

Vegetable oil, obtained from plants such as coconut or Jatropha curcas, serves as a valuable renewable energy source. Nonetheless, it presents certain limitations in comparison to diesel fuels, namely, low volatility and high viscosity. One straightforward approach to overcome these limitations is the addition of high-volatility oil and low-viscosity oil. In this study, we incorporated 10% clove oil into coconut oil and Jatropha curcas oil. Fuel properties, including density, viscosity, flash point, and heating value, were measured in accordance with international standards. Additionally, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) testing was performed to detect decomposition during the heating process. The findings indicated that the addition of clove oil increases density (from 0.922 g/ml to 0.934 g/ml), while other properties decrease, such as viscosity (from 30.12 cst to 27.7 cst), flash point (from 286°C to 182°C), and heating value (from 37.1 MJ/kg to 35.8 MJ/kg). TGA demonstrated that the inclusion of clove oil resulted in increased decomposition within the temperature range of 200°C–400°C, suggesting that clove oil falls into the category of medium-volatile oils. Although the addition of clove oil were able to modify the fuel properties of vegetable oil, it did not align with the characteristics of conventional diesel fuel and necessitates further modification for practical implementation

Valorization of Bambusa striata shavings into functional superparamagnetic material and its application in biodiesel production: Response surface optimization, kinetics, thermodynamics and economic assessment

Herein, a novel highly porous biomass-based (Bambusa vulgaris striata) magnetic solid acid catalyst was developed for the first time via simultaneous activation and magnetization followed by acid functionalization. The sulfonated magnetic porous carbon was utilized as a catalyst for transesterifying Jatropha curcas oil (JCO) to biodiesel under microwave irradiation. The synthesized catalyst was extensively characterized using VSM, XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, TGA, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, and AFM techniques. Through Response Surface Methodology (RSM), a maximal biodiesel yield of 98.8 % was achieved over optimal optimal parametric states (catalyst loading 8 wt%, MOMR 24:1, 50 min, 80 °C). NMR confirmed JCO biodiesel formation with a FAME content of 98.04 %, and GCMS provided insight into its chemical composition. A pseudo-first-order kinetic study revealed an activation energy (Ea) of 28.734 kJ mol1. Thermodynamic analysis showed endothermic and non-spontaneous behavior with ΔH#, ΔS#, and ΔG# values of 25.928 kJ mol1, −0.193 kJ mol1 K1, and 94.251 kJ mol1, respectively. The catalyst displayed good reusability, easy recoverability, and stability, maintaining 75.4 % oil conversion even after ten consecutive cycles. Life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) estimates biodiesel production cost of $0.60 per liter, emphasizing high commercial viability.

Catalytic biodiesel production from Jatropha curcas oil: A comparative analysis of microchannel, fixed bed, and microwave reactor systems with recycled ZSM-5 catalyst

In this study, we studied the conversion of Jatropha curcas oil to biodiesel by using three distinct reactor systems: microchannel, fixed bed, and microwave reactors. ZSM-5 was used as the catalyst for this conversion and was thoroughly characterized. X-ray diffraction was used to identify the crystalline structure, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis to determine surface area, and temperature-programmed desorption to evaluate thermal stability and acidic properties. These characterizations provided crucial insights into the catalyst's structural integrity and performance under reaction conditions. The microchannel reactor exhibited superior biodiesel yield compared to the fixed bed and microwave reactors, and achieved peak efficiency at 60 °C, delivering high FAEE yield (99.7%) and conversion rates (99.92%). Ethanol catalyst volume at 1% was optimal, while varying flow rates exhibited trade-offs, emphasizing the need for nuanced control. Comparative studies against microwave and fixed-bed reactors consistently favored the microchannel reactor, emphasizing its remarkable FAME percentages, high conversion rates, and adaptability to diverse operating conditions. The zig-zag configuration enhances its efficiency, making it the optimal choice for biodiesel production and showcasing promising prospects for advancing sustainable biofuel synthesis technologies.

A Spherical Superhydrophobic Activated Carbon Catalyst for Biodiesel Production ‐Exploring Process Efficiency, Kinetics, Thermodynamics and Life Cycle Cost Analysis

AbstractEngineering the wettability of functional materials holds significant interest, focusing on the need for superhydrophobic catalysts, crucial for their ability to prevent the poisoning of active sites by water, produced in situ or as a by‐product. Herein, for the first time, a superhydrophobic spherical activated carbon (SSAC@PhSO3H) is engineered as a catalyst via a novel synthetic approach and tailored in Jatropha curcas oil (JCO) biodiesel synthesis. With a large surface area (1461 m2 g−1), high acid density (6.26 mmol g−1), and water contact angle (163.4°), the catalyst demonstrates superior performance and remarkable water repellency, firmly establishing its superhydrophobic characteristics. Response Surface Methodology based on the Central Composite Design (RSM‐CCD) approach predicted a maximal biodiesel yield of 98.8% (80 °C, 5 wt%, 15:1 methanol to oil molar ratio (MOMR), and 40 min). Life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) estimates biodiesel production cost of 0.37 USD ($) per kg emphasizing high commercial viability. Compared with H2SO4‐sulfonated biochar, SSAC@PhSO3H retains its inherent activity (86.8 ± 0.4% yield in 10th run) and spherical morphology even after nine successive reaction cycles indicating high stability. Nevertheless, JCO biodiesel's fuel properties met European Norm, EN 14 212 and American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM D6757 standards, highlighting its potential for industrial biodiesel production.

Response surface optimization, kinetics, thermodynamics, and life cycle cost analysis of biodiesel production from Jatropha curcas oil using biomass-based functional activated carbon catalyst

A highly efficient activated porous catalyst, BPAC-500-S, derived from waste banana peels through a novel synthesis involving pyrolysis; and functionalization with 4-benzene diazonium sulphonate, has been developed. For comparison of catalytic activity, the material was also functionalized with sulphuric acid (BPAC-500-SX). The (BPAC-500-S) catalyst underwent impregnation and activation with ZnCl2, and its properties were extensively characterized using BET, SEM, XPS, XRD, FT-IR, and TGA techniques. Comparative analysis of catalysts obtained at different pyrolysis temperatures (400, 500, and 600 °C) revealed that BPAC-500-S pyrolyzed at 500 °C, exhibited maximum surface area (840.83 m2g-1) and sulphur density (4.7 %). Utilizing BPAC-500-S as a catalyst, an efficient process for biodiesel synthesis from Jatropha curcas oil (JCO) was developed, achieving a remarkable 98.91 % conversion, as confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Notably, life cycle cost analysis demonstrated a low biodiesel production cost of $ 0.70/L. The BPAC-500-S catalyst exhibited exceptional reusability maintaining more than 80 % biodiesel yield over seven reaction cycles. This study presents a sustainable and cost-effective approach to biodiesel production, emphasizing the potential of waste-derived catalysts in green and economically viable processes.

Catalytic Conversion of Jatropha curcas Oil to Biodiesel Using Mussel Shell-Derived Catalyst: Characterization, Stability, and Comparative Study

Biodiesel represents a promising solution for sustainable energy needs, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels. In this research, we investigate the use of a catalyst derived from mussel shells to facilitate biodiesel production from Jatropha curcas oil. Our findings from X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis emphasize the importance of carefully selecting calcination temperatures for mussel shell-based catalysts, with 1100 °C identified as optimal for maximizing CaO content. We identify a reaction time of 6 h as potentially optimal, with a reaction temperature of approximately 110 °C yielding the desired methyl ester composition. Notably, a methanol-to-oil ratio of 18:1 is the most favorable condition, and the optimal methyl ester composition is achieved at a calcined catalyst temperature of 900 °C. We also assess the stability of the catalyst, demonstrating its potential for reuse up to five times. Additionally, a thorough analysis of J. curcas Methyl Ester (JCME) biodiesel properties confirmed compliance with industry standards, with variations attributed to the unique characteristics of JCME. Comparing homogeneous (NaOH) and heterogeneous (CaO) catalysts highlights the potential of environmentally sourced heterogeneous catalysts to replace their homogeneous counterparts while maintaining efficiency. Our study presents a novel approach to sustainable biodiesel production, outlining optimal conditions and catalyst stability and highlighting additional benefits compared with NaOH catalysts. Therefore, utilizing mussel shell waste for catalyst synthesis can efficiently eliminate waste and produce cost-effective catalysts.

Green synthesis of metal oxides (CaO-K2O) catalyst using golden apple snail shell and cultivated banana peel for production of biofuel from non-edible Jatropha Curcas oil (JCO) via a central composite design (CCD)

The use of biomass as a renewable, sustainable, and eco-friendly energy source is now widely recognized as a potential solution for a variety of environmental problems. To develop biodiesel production, cost-effective feedstocks such as agricultural waste, food waste, and non-edible/waste cooking oil were utilized. A heterogeneous solid base catalyst was synthesized by calcining a mixture of waste golden apple snail shell (Pomacea canaliculata) and cultivated (Musa sapientum) banana peel. In transesterification process, potassium oxide (K2O) derived from banana peel is used as a cocatalyst to improve the catalytic activity of calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst derived from waste shell. The innovative CaO-K2O catalyst was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) technique. The morphology and elemental composition of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and oxygen (O) in the catalyst were validated by field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The CaO catalyst exhibited a BET surface area of 10.88 m2/g, which was enhanced to 14.62 m2/g upon combination with K2O. The Hammett indicator of CaO catalyst fell between 7.2 < H_< 9.8. However, the CaO-K2O catalyst exhibited a higher value of 15.0 < H_< 18.4, which could be attributed to the phase transition from CaO to CaO-K2O. To investigate the effects of catalyst concentration, ethanol/oil molar ratio, and transesterification time on the yield of fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE). The optimal conditions for FAEE synthesis were determined using a central composite design (CCD) approach with response surface methodology (RSM). The regression equation obtained for the CCD model has a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.9921, indicating that this model is well-fitted. At 3.69 wt% catalyst concentration, 19.48:1 ethanol/oil molar ratio, and 1.80 h transesterification time, the highest FAEE yield from Jatropha Curcas oil (JCO) of 97.06 % was obtained. The novel catalyst has a strong yield and can be utilized for up to 6 cycles. It was found that the corresponding yield was 90 % when employing the same process parameters, demonstrating the high reusability of this catalyst. The biodiesel produced from non-edible JCO meets the criteria for standard biodiesel (ASTM D-6751 and EN 14214). The CaO-K2O catalyst is inexpensive, easy to make, biodegradable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly because it is derived from a biological residue. Because of these characteristics, it may be an appropriate candidate for the role of “green catalyst” in sustainable energy production.

Pressing extraction and physico-chemical characterization of seed oil and cake of Jatropha curcas L.

Fuel from renewable sources has been an excellent alternative to mineral diesel fuel, either as a substitute or an additive, after the transformation process of oil into biodiesel. Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) is considered a good option since it produces high-quality oil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality parameters of samples of physic nut oil processed at different temperatures, as well as to characterize the byproduct press (seed and cake). For this purpose, we evaluated several properties of the oil including acid index, saponification, peroxides, humidity, index of impurities insoluble in ether, ash content, relative density, refractive index, Kreis reaction, color, and mineral content. We also evaluated several properties of the grains and press cake including humidity, ash content, protein content, lipids, fibers, carbohydrates, and minerals. A completely randomized design was used to achieve the results, with three extraction temperatures (70°C, 90°C, and 110°C). Descriptive analysis, normality, analysis of variance, and Tukey's means comparison test were employed at a 5% significance level. Pearson's linear correlation coefficient was also applied. The extraction temperature of 90°C resulted in significant changes in the physical-chemical properties of the oil and press cake.

Investigation of Jatropha Oil Transesterification into Methyl Esters under Supercritical Methanol Environment using Advanced Heterogeneous Catalysts

AbstractThe rationale for this study lies in the investigation of the transesterification of crude Jatropha curcas oil into biodiesel using advanced heterogeneous catalysts under supercritical methanol conditions. The oxides of strontium, lanthanum, and zinc (SrO, La2O3, and ZnO) were synthesized with varying loadings (2 wt %, 6 wt %, and 10 wt %) on γ‐Al2O3 using the wet impregnation method followed by calcination at 900 °C. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the prepared catalysts, multiple analytical techniques were employed, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. The performance of the catalysts was assessed through the measurement of biodiesel yield, where the SrO/γ‐Al2O3, ZnO/γ‐Al2O3, and La2O3/γ‐Al2O3 systems produced yields of 97.54 %, 97.49 %, and 97.36 %, respectively, under identical reaction conditions of a 1 : 40 oil to methanol molar ratio, 10 wt % catalyst loading amount, 300 °C reaction temperature, 90 bar reaction pressure, and a reaction time of 3 min. Despite a minimal decrease of 0.05 %, zinc oxide catalysts remain highly attractive due to their favorable price position compared to strontium. Additionally, the catalyst can be reused up to 12 times with minimal loss in biodiesel yield (~2 %).

Engine performance of a single cylinder direct injection diesel engine fuelled with blends of Jatropha Curcas oil and standard diesel fuel

Blends of Jatropha Curcas oil and standard diesel fuel were evaluated (without pre-heating). The engine tests for the blends were performed in a Petter single cylinder direct injection diesel engine under steady state conditions at high loads. Engine speeds between 1300-1700 rpm were selected for the engine tests. Torque, power output, specific fuel consumption, in cylinder pressure, ignition delay, rate of heat released and exhaust composition were evaluated. The tested blends between 10-20% of oil shown lower effective torque and power output joint to a higher specific fuel consumption related to the lower heating value of Jatropha oil compared to diesel fuel. Lower pressure peaks and rates or pressure rises were observed when Jatropha blends are used. A decrease in the rate of heat released and shorter ignition delay were observed for the blends. Decreases in HCand CO emissions were observed for blends compared to diesel fuel. Both alternatives assessed shown that the differences observed compared to diesel fuel, can be partially restored with engines regulation. The use of Jatropha oil in order to be a partial or full alternative to the use of diesel fuel for energy production was achieved.

Optimization and kinetic study of biodiesel production from Jatropha curcas oil in supercritical methanol environment using ZnO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst

AbstractIn this study, the conversion of crude Jatropha curcas oil into biodiesel through transesterification was investigated in the presence of heterogeneous solid catalysts under supercritical methanol environment. The principal impetuses catalyzing the expansion in optimal biodiesel production are primarily attributed to the increasing demand for sustainable energy sources, the availability of raw materials, and innovations in production methodologies. To maintain the optimization, 6 wt% and 10 wt% of zinc oxide (ZnO) were incorporated into gamma-alumina (γ-Al2O3) through a wet impregnation method followed by calcination at 900 °C. Furthermore, the study examined the effect of alcohol/oil molar ratio, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the process to achieve maximum biodiesel production. The study revealed that a catalyst consisting of 10 wt% ZnO on γ-Al2O3 exhibited exceptional performance with a biodiesel yield of 95.64% under the reaction conditions of a molar ratio of 1:40 oil to methanol, a temperature of 300 °C, a pressure of 9 MPa, and a residence time of 3 min compared to the yield of 100% under same condition at residence time of 9 min. After thorough investigation, the kinetics of the catalytic transesterification reaction were elucidated, and suitable kinetic parameters were proposed.