Synthesis of Biodiesel from Azadirachta indica (Neem) Seed Oil using Banana Peel-Derived CaO Nanocatalyst: An Eco-Friendly Approach
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable and renewable energy has driven significant interest in biodiesel production from non-edible oils using environmentally benign catalysts. In this study, biodiesel was synthesized from Azadirachta indica (neem) seed oil using a calcium oxide Nanocatalyst (CaO)BN derived from waste banana peel through controlled calcination. AISO (51.25%) was extracted using Soxhlet extraction with n-hexane and subsequently converted into biodiesel via transesterification with methanol in the presence of the synthesized nanocatalyst. AISO was characterized by FT-IR. The (CaO)BN was characterized using DLS, XRD, SEM and TGA-DTA confirming its crystalline structure, morphology, and nano scale particle size. The (CaO)BN exhibited high basicity, large surface area, and excellent catalytic efficiency, resulting in enhanced biodiesel yield and effective conversion of triglycerides into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). (AIBD)BN was characterized by GC-MS for determining its fatty acid composition. (AIBD)BN is found to have oleic acid (52.5%) as prominent fatty acid. The physico-chemical properties of (AIBD)BN were found to comply with ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards. This study highlights a sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach for biodiesel production by utilizing waste as a valuable nanocatalyst.