Synthesis of fatty acid methyl ester from palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) with Ky(MgCa)2xO3 as heterogeneous catalyst

► Eggshell waste was modified to produce efficient composite solid base catalyst used in transesterification. ► The modified catalyst showed good activity towards triglyceride conversion at moderate reaction conditions. ► FAME content of as high as 88% was achieved with 3 wt.% catalyst in 4 h at a reaction temperature of 65 °C. ► The preparation method is simple and produced well-developed catalyst pores that enhanced performance. ► The heterogeneous solid base catalyst is reusable and separates well from reaction mixture.