Characterization of phytosynthesized niobium oxide nanoparticle for efficient conversion of Grewia asiatica L. waste seed oil into sustainable fuel
Rozina Rozina, Okezie Emmanuel, Mushtaq Ahmad, Shaista Jabeen, Muḥammad Musḥtaq Aḥmad, Ahamefula A. Ahuchaogu
Abstract
The production of bioenergy and bioproducts from streams of biowaste has sparked interest in developing a circular economy worldwide. The potential of transformation of Grewia asiatica waste seed oil into sustainable biodiesel via green nano particles of niobium oxide has been investigated in this article. Niobium oxide nano catalyst was prepared with the leaf extract of Fumaria indica. Characterization of niobium oxide nano catalyst via innovative techniques expressed its pure and nano nature. The average particle size of synthesized nano catalyst was found to be 31 nm which resulted in efficient catalytic activity up to the fifth cycle of transesterification. Optimum yield of 90 % was observe with reaction parameters of methanol to oil molar ratio 9:1, time 180 min, temperature 60 °C and catalyst load of 0.32 (wt. %). Results of Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of biodiesel sample revealed 5, 8-Octadecadienoic acid methyl ester as the primary fatty acid methyl ester with highest concentration. Fuel properties of biodiesel complied with international standards. The least sulphur level of 0.0001 % concluded the clean, environmentally benign and cost-effective nature of biodiesel synthesized from waste Grewia asiatica seed oil contributing a renewable alternative in the transition of linear economy to a circular bioeconomy.