Biodiesel production and engine performance study using one-pot synthesised ZnO/MCM-41

This study demonstrates the importance of lemon peel powder in the formation of ZnO nanoparticles. The facile synthesis of core-shell morphological ZnO/MCM41 was achieved in a one-pot approach. The catalyst formation was confirmed by XRD, nitrogen adsorption-desorption studies, TGA, DSC, and SEM analysis. Jatropha to bio-diesel production was concisely performed using the composite materials and the futuristic result are presented and discussed in this paper. Different coating % of ZnO over MCM-41 (10%, 20%, and 30%) were examined for their performance in biodiesel conversion. A maximum of 99.4% conversion of Jatropha oil was observed using the catalyst ZnO/MCM-41 (20%). A detailed analysis of the produced biodiesel was performed using NMR and GC. Due to the high saponification value and iodine number, a large % of higher methyl ester composition was observed. The produced biodiesel (BD) was further blended with the diesel (D) fuel (90 % to 30 %) and examined for its performance in the engine. Smoke emission and power of the engine was found to be excellent for the 90BD:10D blend.

Automated summary

This study highlights the significance of lemon peel powder in the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. The synthesis of ZnO/MCM41 with core-shell morphology was achieved using a simple one-pot method. Various characterizations confirmed the formation of the catalyst. The use of composite materials in Jatropha to bio-diesel production resulted in a high conversion rate, and the produced biodiesel demonstrated promising performance when blended with diesel fuel.