Production of Biodiesel from <i>Moringa Oleifera</i> and <i>Jatropha Curcas</i> Seed Oils over a Modified ZnO/Fly Ash Catalyst

Abstract Methyl ester biodiesel was produced from Moringa Oleifera oil and Jatropha Curcas with the sole aim of assessing feasibility feedstocks as viable sources in Botswana. Oil extraction transesterification were carried out under identical experimental conditions for both biomass. extracted seeds through a soxhlet method using solvent, n-hexane. The then trans-esterified at 60 °C methanol/oil ratio 12:1 stirring rate 350 rpm, 3 wt. % catalyst loading 120 min reaction time. Zinc Oxide modified fly ash used heterogeneous process. GC analysis results biodiesels indicated that highest yield obtained seed oil. showed greater proportion docosanedioic acid while composed oleic larger proportions. Both are unsaturated methyl esters. suggests more suitable feedstock compared to .