Biodiesel Production from Tannery Waste using a Nano Catalyst (Ferric-Manganese Doped Sulphated Zirconia)

ABSTRACT

In this study, biodiesel was prepared using fat from tannery waste in the presence of a nanocatalyst, Ferric-Manganese Doped Sulfated Zirconia (Fe-Mn-SO₄/ZrO₂). After its preparationthe catalyst was characterized by modified wetness impregnation method. The effect of the various parameters influencing the biodiesel process was studied and optimized. A maximum biodiesel yield of 96.6 wt% was obtained when the optimized conditions were 12:1 methanol to fat, catalytic loading of 6 wt% at 65°C with a stirring rate of 450 rpm for 300 min. Furthermore, a catalyst reusability study was conducted to check the performance during recycling. It was observed that the catalyst can be recycled upto five times giving an yield above 90 wt%. Finally, the biodiesel properties were analyzed and compared with ASTM standards.

KEYWORDS:

• Impregnation
• nano catalyst
• reusability
• biodiesel
• ASTM D6751

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Centre of Excellence in Solar Energy, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, 382007, India for providing laboratory facilities.

Declaration

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.