Original Article

Energy & Environment

1–23
Sustainable biodiesel production © The Author(s) 2022
Article reuse guidelines:
from Ceiba penandra, Mahua sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/0958305X221115090
longifolia, and Azadirachta indica journals.sagepub.com/home/eae

using CaO-TiO2 nano catalyst

P. Sujin1 , P. M. Diaz2, Ajith J. Kings3

and L. R. Monisha Miriam4

Abstract
Rapid industrialization and population expansion increased the demand for petroleum-based fuels,
resulting in price hike and creates serious environmental issues. Biodiesel, a clean, renewable and
long-lasting alternative and for large scale production needs readily available and sustainable feed-
stocks. Edible and non-edible plants are abundant in Southern India, particularly Ceiba penandra
(CP), Mahua longifolia (ML), and Azadirachta indica (AI), which were employed in this study in com-
bination. An efficient heterogeneous nano-catalyst CaO-TiO2 was synthesized and employed in
the transesterification process due to its recoverability and insensitivity to FFA. The catalyst
was subjected to characterize by FTIR, XRD and SEM with EDX mapping. Response surface
approach is engaged in this study for cost-effective production. More than 95% biodiesel yield
was achieved for Ceiba penandra oil (CPO), Mahua longifolia oil (MLO), Azadirachta indica oil
(AIO) and their mixture (MIO) by optimization of significant reaction parameters and the best
combination was obtained as methanol oil ratio (0.32, 0.46, 0.34 and 0.42 v/v), catalyst usage
(5, 6.5, 6 and 4 wt.%), mixing intensity (750, 840, 700 and 540 rpm) and duration (80, 105, 85
and 85 min) respectively with constant temperature of 70°C. Fatty acid profile was characterized
by chromatograph also established the properties by ASTM and EN guidelines to confirm its com-
patibility in the IC engine.

Keywords
Non-edible oils, optimization, nano-catalyst, transesterification, biodiesel

1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Maria College of Engineering and Technology, Nagercoil, India
2
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ponjesly College of Engineering, Nagercoil, India
3
Department of Mechanical Engineering, St Xavier’s Catholic College of Engineering, Nagercoil, India
4
Department of Biotechnology, Udaya School of Engineering, Nagercoil, India
Corresponding author:
Ajith J. Kings, Department of Mechanical Engineering, St Xavier’s Catholic College of Engineering, Nagercoil, 629003, India.
Email: ajitspoora@gmail.com