Biodiesel Fuel Production through Transesterification of Chinese Tallow Kernel Oil Using KNO3/MgO Catalyst

In this study, biodiesel was product by transesterification of Chinese tallow kernel oil with methanol in a heterogeneous system, using magnesium oxide loaded with potassium nitrate as a solid catalyst. After calcination, the dependence of the conversion of Chinese tallow kernel oil on the reaction variables such as the catalyst loading, reaction temperature, the molar ratio of methanol/oil, the reaction time was studied. The conversion was over 94% under the conditions of 340K, the molar ratio of methanol/oil 8:1, reaction time 3 h. Catalyst reusability was also studied.