Abstract:
The green chemistry method for nanocatalyst synthesis along with environmentally feasible
non-edible sources are promising alternatives to fossil fuels. The current study focuses on the
synthesis of copper oxide phyto-nanocatalyst and the identification of a new renewable feedstock,
Citrullus colocynthis, to reduce environmental pollution. The highest biodiesel yield (95%) was
obtained under optimum conditions of a 1:8 oil-to-methanol ratio and reaction temperature of 85 ◦C
for 120 min with a 0.365 wt% catalyst concentration. The phyto-nanocatalyst was synthesized using
seed oil cake after extracting oil with the salt of copper (copper oxide). The catalyst was then subjected
to various analyses, namely, EDX, FT-IR, SEM, and XRD. The catalyst was proved to be efficient and
effective after being reused five times and still there was a very small difference in biodiesel yield. All
the analyses also show sustainable and stable results. Thus, copper oxide phyto-nanocatalyst with
non-edible Citrullus colocynthis proved to be highly effective, sustainable, and a better alternative
source to the future biodiesel industry.
