Advanced MWCNT-COOH@ZnO Nano Catalyst for Biodiesel Production from Used Cooking Oil Enhancing Fuel Quality and Reducing Engine Wear

In response to the rising global demand for renewable energy solutions, biodiesel has emerged as an excellent ecological alternative to fossil fuels. This study aims to develop and evaluate MWCNT-COOH@ZnO, a novel nanocatalyst synthesized by functionalizing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with ZnO۲ to produce high-quality biodiesel from waste cooking oil. Optimal reaction parameters (۷۰ °C, ۳۰ minutes, ۶۰۰ rpm, oil-to-methanol ratio of ۱:۸, and ۴۰۰ mg catalyst) were determined using the Taguchi method. Under these conditions, a yield of ۹۶.۳% of biodiesel was obtained. The MWCNT-COOH@ZnO nanocatalyst enabled biodiesel synthesis that met ASTM D۶۷۵۱ standards for a flash point of ۱۴۶ °C, a viscosity of ۳.۸ mm²/s,  a density of ۸۷۲ kg/m³ at ۱۶ °C, a pour point of -۱ °C, and a cloud point of -۲ °C. The MWCNT-COOH@ZnO nanocatalyst demonstrated ۸۹% recyclability after three cycles and reduced friction and wear rates by up to ۱۵% under extreme pressure. This study establishes MWCNT-COOH@ZnO as a scalable nanocatalyst for sustainable biodiesel production, offering improved environmental friendliness and engine protection.

کلیدواژه ها:

Biodiesel synthesis ، nanocatalyst ، Wear resistance ، Catalytic efficiency ، Renewable energy۱۷۵۷