Production and Characterization of Biodiesel from Jatropha curcas Seed Oil by Using Fly Ash as a Catalyst

This study presents an innovative approach to biodiesel production from Jatropha curcas seed oil employing a novel K₂O/fly ash heterogeneous catalyst. The process involved oil extraction using a mechanical press method, followed by purification and comprehensive characterization of the extracted oil. A fly ash-based catalyst was synthesized via wet impregnation with varying potassium hydroxide loadings and characterized using advanced analytical techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The optimized catalyst, under ideal conditions of 60 °C reaction temperature, a 6:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio, and a reaction time of 2 h, achieved an impressive oil conversion efficiency of 94.5%, establishing it as the preferred catalyst for the study. The transesterification process was conducted by reacting Jatropha oil with methanol in the presence of the solid K₂O/fly ash catalyst, yielding biodiesel (methyl esters) and glycerol as byproducts. Experimental parameters such as reaction time (2 h) and stirring rate (500 rpm) were maintained consistently to ensure precision. The resulting biodiesel was rigorously tested, and its critical fuel properties were found to align closely with the American Society for Testing and Materials standards for biodiesel. This study not only underscores the potential of fly ash-based catalysts in sustainable biodiesel production but also highlights the viability of Jatropha oil as a renewable energy source, paving the way for environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternatives to conventional fuels.