Synthesis of Jatropha Oil based Biodiesel Using Environmentally Friendly Catalyst and Their Blending Studies with Diesel

Jatropha oil is readily available as one of the cheapest non-food feedstock in India. In this work, we would like to explore the use of Zirconium based heterogeneous catalysts to synthesis Jatropha oil biodiesel ((JBD) and to take advantages of the solid nature as well as reusability of the environmentally friendly heterogeneous catalyst. In order to compare JBD was also synthesized using conventional sodium metoxide (NaOMe homogenous catalyst). Best yield was obtained using heterogeneous catalyst (ZH3). Synthesized JBD by both homogenous and heterogeneous catalysts were characterized by FTIR, and Diesel Fuel Properties like viscosity and density. Viscosities of synthesized all JBD were in agreement with ASTM D-6751 (100%-BD) and ASTM D-975 (100%-Diesel). In this study, Blending studies of Jatropha biodiesel-JBD (5 %) with diesel was also carried out and diesel fuel properties like viscosity, density, pour point and flash point were also investigated. Except density of blended mixture, all other fuel properties studied are in agreement with ASTM D-975 (100%-Diesel). 5% JBD Blend have nearly same physical properties as that of petro-diesel which demonstrates that it would be commercially viable to use in the field. This study will help biodiesel producer to be competitive in production of Jatropha based biodiesel, using heterogeneous catalyst and work up process would be easied and reusecatalyst. Thus it provides the economic pathway for the synthesis of eco-friendly biodiesel.