Transesterification of sunflower oil catalyzed by flyash-based solid catalysts

Flyash-based base catalyst was used in the transesterification of sunflower oil with methanol to methyl esters in a heterogeneous manner. Catalyst preparation variables such as, the KNO3 loading amount and calcination temperature were optimized. The catalysts were characterized by powder XRD. The catalyst prepared by loading of 5 wt.% KNO3 on flyash followed by its calcination at 773 K has exhibited maximum oil conversion (87.5 wt.%). The influence of various reaction parameters such as % catalyst loading, methanol to oil molar ratio, reaction time, temperature, reusability of the catalyst on the catalytic activity was investigated. K2O derived from KNO3 might be an essential component in the catalyst for its efficiency.