Comparative analysis of two different nanocatalysts for producing biodiesel from microalgae

Biodiesel production from microalgae is significantly important when reserves of petro-diesel are depleting, and utilization of vegetable oil-based fuel leads to food scarcity. Microalgae is a suitable feedstock for bioenergy in the form of biodiesel production. They contain high lipid, and their rapid growth makes them a significant energy source. Nanocatalyst use is favorable due to its high activity, high stability, large and efficient surface to volume ratio, high resistance to saponification, and reusable characteristics. The two different nanocatalysts were prepared using the wet impregnation method (WIM) and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, BET surface area analysis, and FT-IR. The study states the formation of nanocatalyzed particles with a particle size of 50 nm and 20 nm, respectively. The SEM study supports the formation of nanoparticles in oval/hexagonal and flower shapes. The catalyst has shown the maximum basic strength and optimal activity towards microalgal transesterification with higher surface area of 27.06 m(2)/g and 4.147 m(2)/g, respectively. The maximum biomass yield of 1200 mg/L was attained after 21 days in ASN-III media. The study discloses that at optimum conditions FAME yield of biodiesel using two respective nanocatalysts in the transesterification process was 93% and 99%, respectively. Copyright (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Biodiesel production from microalgae is important for addressing the depleting reserves of petro-diesel and the food scarcity caused by the use of vegetable oil-based fuel. The use of nanocatalysts in this process offers advantages such as high activity, stability, large surface area to volume ratio, resistance to saponification, and reusability.