Synthesis and characterization of magnetic bifunctional nano-catalyst for the production of biodiesel from Madhuca indica oil.

The reusable magnetic multimetal nano-catalyst (FeO.CsO) was synthesized using co-precipitation and incipient wetness impregnation methods. It was used to esterify and transesterify Madhuca indica (M. indica) oil to produce biodiesel with methanol. The prepared catalyst, caesium oxide doped on the nano-magnetite core, was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Further, the activity of the catalyst was investigated by subjecting it to a biodiesel reaction. To maximize biodiesel conversion, studies were carried out by varying the process variables like catalyst concentration, methanol-to-oil molar ratio, reaction temperature, and reaction time. A maximum conversion of 97.4% was obtained at the holding conditions of 18:1 methanol-to-oil ratio, 7 wt% catalyst loading, 65 °C reaction temperature, and 300 min reaction time. Moreover, the catalyst recyclability study showed that it could be recycled up to 12 cycles with a conversion of 90% and above. The biodiesel's fuel properties were analysed and found to be within the limits of ASTM D6751 standard.