Synthesis of NdAlO Nanoparticles and Evaluation of the Catalytic Capacity for Biodiesel Synthesis.

Biodiesel synthesis was carried out via heterogeneous catalysis of canola oil with nanoparticles of a mixed oxide based on rare earths. The catalyst synthesis (NdAlO) was carried out based on the method proposed by Pechini for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Thermogravimetric analysis-differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA) analysis was performed on the nanoparticle precursor gel in order to establish the optimum conditions for its calcination, with these being of 800 °C over 24 h.