Biodiesel production through transesterification of Chlorella vulgaris: Synthesis and characterization of CaO nanocatalyst

Current research deals with the effective, economic and ecofriendly conversion of algal oil into biodiesel using Calcium oxide (CaO) nanocatalyast. CaO nanoparticles were used as an alkaline catalyst for the transesterification of the indigenous green alga, Chlorella vulgaris oil into biodiesel. The catalyst was subjected to different calcination temperatures and their effect on complete transesterification of algal oil at different concentrations was also studied. The characteristics of the nanocatalyst were investigated using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). It was found that various parameters such as reaction time, temperature and catalyst amount influences the fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) yield. The ideal conditions for transesterification process were optimized as a methanol to oil molar ratio of 9:0.6, a reaction period of 4 h, a catalyst loading at 4% and a reaction temperature of 80 degrees C. Gas chromatographic analysis revealed a fatty acid profile highly suitable for biodiesel production. A catalyst concentration of 3 mg.L-1 of CaO synthesized at 400 degrees C was found to be ideal for the transesterification process. These approaches could make massive impact on the large scale biodiesel production minimizing the hefty capital costs.

Automated summary

The study achieved successful conversion of algal oil into biodiesel using CaO nanocatalyst, and optimized the process by adjusting reaction parameters and catalyst concentration.