“Synthesis of Biodiesel from Moringa Oleifera Seeds Oil Using Eggshell-Derived Cao Nanocatalyst: An Eco-Friendly Approach"

Abstract

Introduction: The persistent use of fossil fuels has major environmental consequences, particularly due to the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), which play a key role in global warming and climate change. Biodiesel has become a viable and promising substitute for traditional petroleum diesel.

Objectives: The present study explores the production and evaluation of biodiesel derived from Moringa oleifera seeds oil (MOSO) using a waste eggshell derived nanocatalyst.

Methods: The research focuses on the characterization of the physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, synthesis of Moringa oleifera biodiesel (MOBD)EN using transesterification and analysis of fuel properties of in comparison with international biodiesel standards (ASTM D6751 and EN 14214) and earlier research reported.

Results: The Moringa oleifera seeds reported to have high oil content of 45.24%.  The MOSO was found rich in oleic acid (76.7%) was trans esterified using (CaO)EN. The synthesized (CaO)EN was characterized by DLS, TGA-DTA, SEM and XRD techniques. The resulting (MOBD)EN exhibited favorable properties such as high cetane number (50), appropriate viscosity and density, low ash content (0.18), and a high flash point, making it a safe and efficient fuel alternative. The (MOBD)EN have high calorific value and biodiesel yield i.e. 52kJ/kg and 95.80% respectively.

Conclusion: The overall results confirm the viability of MOSO as a non-edible, sustainable feedstock for biodiesel production. The use of an eco-friendly nanocatalyst derived from eggshells further enhances the environmental and economic feasibility of the process. This study highlights the potential of integrating green chemistry and waste valorization for the development of next-generation biofuels.