Eco-Friendly Nano Catalyst Preparation for Biodiesel Production from Melia azedarach Seeds: A Step Toward Climate Mitigation

Sajida Naeem Khan; Ayesha Riffat Paracha; Maryam Tanveer Akhtar; Maimoona Yasin Zai; Nayab Babar Ali

Authors

Sajida Naeem Khan Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
Ayesha Riffat Paracha Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
Maryam Tanveer Akhtar Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
Maimoona Yasin Zai Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
Nayab Babar Ali Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan

Keywords:

Biodiesel, Melia Azedarach, Climate Change, Transesterification

Abstract

Biodiesel is a renewable and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, offering a cleaner source of energy with significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions. This study explores the production of biodiesel from non-edible Melia azedarach seed oil using green synthesis through TiO₂ nanocatalysts. Oil was extracted using n-hexane, and transesterification was performed under different conditions of the molar ratio of oil-to-methanol (1:3, 1:6, 1:9, 1:12, and 1:15), temperatures (70, 80, 90, 120, and 140 °C), concentration of TiO₂ catalyst (0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, and 1 g), and reaction times (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours). Maximum biodiesel yield (93%) was achieved when the molar ratio was 1:12, the temperature was 80 °C, the weight of the TiO₂ catalyst was 0.7 g, and the reaction time was 3 hours. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the TiO₂ nanocatalyst and verified its catalytic activity and structure. The FTIR characterization of the produced biodiesel verified the presence of methyl esters. The use of non-edible feedstock like Melia azedarach is eco-friendly since it is not in food-vs-fuel competition and can be grown on marginal lands. Secondly, the method combats global climate change by minimizing the use of fossil fuels and carbon emissions. Through this research, it is proven that biodiesel synthesis using non-edible feedstock (Melia azedarach seed oil) is a sustainable method of climate-resilient large-scale biodiesel production in accordance with renewable energy and climate resilience criteria.

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