Effect of Al2O3 and CeO2 Nanocatalysts on Biodiesel Yield from Pine and Soapnut Oils

Volume: 11 | Issue: 02 | Year 2025 | Subscription
International Journal of I.C. Engines and Gas Turbines
Received Date: 12/03/2025
Acceptance Date: 12/08/2025
Published On: 2025-12-17
First Page: 1
Last Page: 10

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https://doi.org/10.37628/ijicegt.v11i02.22008

By: C Manikandan and C. Syed aalam.

1 Research scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, FEAT, Annamalai University, India.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, FEAT, Annamalai University, India.

Abstract

Abstract

This study examines the influence of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and cerium oxide (CeO2) nanocatalysts on the biodiesel yield obtained from two non-edible oils: pine oil and soapnut oil. Both oils were extracted through mechanical pressing and converted into biodiesel using the transesterification process. To understand how different process conditions, affect biodiesel production, a Box–Behnken Design (BBD) was used. Three key variables—methanol-to-oil ratio, catalyst concentration, and reaction temperature—were analyzed to identify their combined impact on the final yield. Both nanocatalysts were evaluated to compare their effectiveness with oils that have different fatty acid compositions. The produced biodiesel was tested using GC–MS, FTIR, and standard fuel property measurements to confirm successful conversion and to assess fuel quality. Results clearly showed that using metal-oxide nanocatalysts improved biodiesel yield compared to traditional base catalysts, mainly by speeding up the reaction and enhancing overall conversion. Among the two nanocatalysts, CeO2 performed slightly better for pine oil, likely due to its compatibility with the oil’s chemical structure. In contrast, Al2O3 provided higher efficiency for soapnut oil, producing a more consistent and higher yield. Under optimized operating conditions, both oils achieved biodiesel yields above 92%, demonstrating the strong potential of nanocatalysts in biodiesel production. Overall, this study highlights the advantages of incorporating nanocatalysts into the transesterification process. Their ability to increase reaction rate, improve conversion efficiency, and maintain high fuel quality supports their use as a promising alternative to conventional catalysts. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable biodiesel production methods, especially when using non-edible and low-cost feedstocks.

Keywords: Pine oil, Soapnut oil, Nanocatalysts, Biodiesel yield, Transesterification.

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Citation:

How to cite this article: C Manikandan and C. Syed aalam Effect of Al2O3 and CeO2 Nanocatalysts on Biodiesel Yield from Pine and Soapnut Oils. International Journal of I.C. Engines and Gas Turbines. 2025; 11(02): 1-10p.

How to cite this URL: C Manikandan and C. Syed aalam, Effect of Al2O3 and CeO2 Nanocatalysts on Biodiesel Yield from Pine and Soapnut Oils. International Journal of I.C. Engines and Gas Turbines. 2025; 11(02): 1-10p. Available from:https://journalspub.com/publication/ijsmfe/article=22008

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https://doi.org/10.37628/ijicegt.v11i02.22008
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