Transesterification of waste cooking oil using biogenic calcium oxide nanocatalyst

Abstract

Introduction: With advent of sustainable development and green chemistry, valorisation of waste is highly desirable. In this context, conversion of waste cooking oil into biodiesel through transesterification has been proposed.

Objective: This study intends to sustainably transform waste cooking oil into biodiesel using biosynthesized calcium oxide nanoparticles as nano-catalysts during the transesterification process.

Methods: The nano-catalyst was obtained from waste egg shells and utilized further in transesterification of waste cooking oil to obtain biodiesel. The one-pot transesterification was conceded to study the impact of changing reaction parameters on the reaction yield including temperature, concentration of nano-catalyst, methanol-oil molar ratio, and contact time.

Results: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed the presence of various functional groups while Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analyses identified the methyl ester groups extant in the biodiesel. The optimized yield of biodiesel (94.35%) was obtained after 4 hours at a temperature of 60 ^oC utilizing the 1.0% nano- catalyst and methanol to oil ratio of 11:1.

Conclusion: The study provides a sustainable and eco-friendly approach for effective transesterification of waste cooking oil using calcium oxide nano-catalyst.