RSM-based comparative experimental study of sustainable biodiesel synthesis from different 2G feedstocks using magnetic nanocatalyst CaFe2O4

Today’s demand of energy in the world of automobile provokes the researchers to strive for the easily available and cheapest renewable source of energy. Biodiesel has become one of the booming renewable sources in the world to mitigate the atmospheric pollution and the demand of fossil fuels. Oils are chosen based on their fatty acid content, availability and sustainability. A magnetic nanocatalyst CaFe2O4 has been employed in the transesterification process and is characterized by various progressive techniques to confirm its compatibility. The locally available, nonedible oils such as cotton seed oil, rubber seed oil and pungai seed oil have been taken for this experimental work for efficient and sustainable biodiesel production. Multi-variant central composite design has been employed to enhance the influencing process parameters in biodiesel conversion. Each feedstock produced more than 95% of the yield which consumed very little amount of methanol and catalyst in a short period of time. In order to ensure a quick reaction and smooth stirring, the temperature is kept at 70 °C (beyond the boiling point of the solvent). The chromatography analysis was used to describe the end product samples which revealed the right proportion of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids at the proper level, resulting in better oxidation stability and combustion properties. Moreover, density, viscosity, cetene number, iodine value and other essential properties were analysed and found to be within the standards specified by EN and ASTM for use in automotive applications without modifying the engine.