Synthesis of biodiesel from Jatropha curcas L. seed oil using artificial zeolites loaded with CH3COOK as a heterogeneous catalyst

An environmentally benign process was developed for the transesterification of Jatropha curcas L. seed oil with methanol using artificial zeolites loaded with potassium acetate as a heterogeneous catalyst. After calcination for 5 h at 823 K, the catalyst loaded with 47 wt.% CH3COOK exhibited the highest efficiency and best catalytic activity. The easily prepared catalysts were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy, as well as Hammett indicator titration. The results revealed a strong dependence of catalytic activity on basicity. The optimum reaction conditions for transesterification of J. curcas oil were also investigated. The methyl ester content in the biodiesel product exceeded 91% after 4h reaction at reflux temperature in the presence of 2% solid catalyst and no water washing process is needed during workup.