Mussel shell based CaO nano-catalyst doped with praseodymium to enhance biodiesel production from castor oil

This research presents the preparation and application of mussel shell based CaO doped with praseodymium as catalysts labelled as 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11 wt% for biodiesel production through transesterification reaction from castor oil. Pr-CaO catalysts were synthesized successfully using wet chemistry route and further used as a stable, active, and low-cost heterogeneous catalyst for environmentally benign and green biodiesel production through transesterification of castor oil and methanol. The characterization of catalysts was done using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM micro-graphs depicted the flower like morphology of 7 % Pr doped catalyst with an average crystallite size of < 16 nm and thermal stability below 900 ?. Catalyst testing was done according to ASTM standards for castor oil bio-diesel production and found to be within specifications. The obtained catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity for biodiesel production through transesterification of castor oil and methanol. A fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield of 87.42 % was obtained through 7 % Pr-CaO mixed oxide catalyst at optimum reaction conditions (i.e., 2.5 wt% catalyst, methanol to oil ratio of 8:1 and 65 ?) while the yield of FAME obtained through undoped, calcined CaO was about 80 %.

Automated summary

This research presents the synthesis and application of Pr-CaO catalysts for biodiesel production from castor oil, which showed stable, active, and low-cost characteristics. The obtained catalyst exhibited a high FAME yield of 87.42% under optimal reaction conditions using 7% Pr-CaO mixed oxide catalyst.