Efficient biodiesel production from Jatropha curcus using CaSO4/Fe2O3-SiO2 core-shell magnetic nanoparticles

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2019-01, Vol.208, p.816-826
• Main Authors: Teo, Siow Hwa, Islam, Aminul, Chan, Eng Seng, Thomas Choong, S.Y., Alharthi, Nabeel H., Taufiq-Yap, Yun Hin, Awual, Md Rabiul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodiesel; Core-shell composite; Jatropha curcus; Solvothermal
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.10.107

Core shell nanostructures have endorsed great enhancements in the production of biodiesel with well-controlled size, shape, and surface properties. A simple and reproducible hierarchically porous core-shell CaSO4/Fe2O3-SiO2 material with controllable core morphology was developed. The materials with a well mesoporous structure were prepared by ethanol/H2O media using NaNO3 as the etchant to construct the co-valent bond in Fe2O3 framework, and the CH3COONa was an electrostatic supporter and subordinate reducing agent under mild. Solvothermal conditions. The morphology, porosity and conjugated structure of CaSO4/Fe2O3-SiO2 were measured systematically. The materials of CaSO4/Fe2O3-SiO2 showed remarkable performance in biodiesel production with crude Jatropha curcus and methanol. At suitable state, the biodiesel production reached 94%. Furthermore, the material was easily dispersed in the reaction system, quickly separated from the reaction products without using centrifugation or filtration, and satisfactory catalytic activity maintained after being recycled nine. Controlling the interaction among the active phases of core shell structure might boost structural stability of the material. In addition, the performance was compared with several forms of material in the case of biodiesel production. Therefore, the data are remarkable for offering a new juncture for the fabrication of novel and eco-friendly procedure of hierarchically porous material in the potential biodiesel production. Moreover, the easy separation of material from process fluid and the safe handling were the main impacts to imply the CaSO4/Fe2O3-SiO2 core-shell material for biodiesel production. [Display omitted] •Core-shell CaSO4/Fe2O3-SiO2 materials developed for biodiesel production.•The materials showed excellent performance under optimum conditions.•The materials were exhibited high recyclability even after nine cycles.