Optimization of biodiesel synthesis from microalgal (Spirulina platensis) oil by using a novel heterogeneous catalyst, β-strontium silicate (β-Sr2SiO4)

The beta-Strontium silicate (beta -Sr2SiO4) was synthesized by physicochemical methods and was used as a heterogeneous catalyst in biodiesel production from microalgal oil (-Spirulina platensis) by transesterification process. The physical and chemical properties of the catalyst were analysed using TGA, XRD, ATR-FTIR, SEM-EDX, and surface area analyser. XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed the formation of beta-Sr2SiO4 which was able to perform transeterification reaction. Several reaction parameter such as catalyst wt %, molar ratio (methanol :oil) and time have been optimized for transesterification reaction. The optimization of reaction parameters was accomplished by response surface methodology based on Box-Behnken design. Reusability study of catalyst was accomplished up to six run with 76.34% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) conversion. A 97.88% maximum FAME conversion was observed at 65 degrees C, 600 rpm, 2.5 we/o catalyst, 1:12 methanol to oil molar ratio and 104 min reaction time. The biodiesel properties conform to ASTM standards.