Binary metal-doped methoxide catalyst for biodiesel production from palm stearin

Heterogeneous transesterification of vegetable oils offers an environmentally more attractive option for biodiesel production compared with the conventional homogeneous processes. Thus, double metallic methoxide catalyst was developed in the present study, aiming to improve the transesterification of low-cost palm stearin (PS) and reduce waste generation. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized catalyst were studied by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, temperature-programmed desorption-CO2 coupled with mass spectrometry, and Brunauer– Emmett–Teller surface area analyses. The optimum parameters were obtained via the response surface methodology coupled with a central composite design. Transesterification with the highest biodiesel yield of 98 % was obtained using 3 % catalyst loading, methanolto-PS ratio of 11:1, 125 min reaction time, and 70°C temperature. This catalyst appears to be a promising candidate to replace homogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production, as it required short reaction duration and offered high reusability. Keyword: Biodiesel; Calcium methoxide; Catalyst; Zirconia support