Synthesis and characterization of magnetic bifunctional nano-catalyst for the production of biodiesel from Madhuca indica oil

Abstract The reusable magnetic bifunctional nano-catalyst (Fe 3 O 4 .Cs 2 O) was synthesized by co-precipitation and incipient wetness impregnation method. It was utilized for the transesterification of Madhuca indica ( M. indica ) oil with methanol. The prepared catalyst, cesium oxide doped on the nano-magnetite core was characterized by using Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Further, the activity of the catalyst was investigated by subjecting it to biodiesel reaction. To maximize the biodiesel conversion, studies were carried out by varying the parameters like catalyst concentration, methanol-to-oil molar ratio, reaction temperature and reaction time. The yield of 97.4 wt% was obtained at the holding conditions: 18:1 methanol-to-oil ratio, 7 wt% catalyst loading, 65°C reaction temperature and 300 min of reaction time. Moreover, the catalyst recyclability was also studied and found that it can be recycled up to 12 cycles with a conversion of above 90%. The biodiesel’s fuel properties were analyzed and compared with the ASTM standard.