Catalytic performance and characterization of Cs–Ca/SiO2–TiO2 nanocatalysts for biodiesel production

•The Cs–Ca/TiO2–SiO2 nanocatalysts is efficient catalyst for biodiesel production.•Viscosity, density and refractive index decreases by an increase in biodiesel yield.•The best operational conditions were the CH3OH/oil = 12/1 at 60 °C for 2 h.

In this research work, the transestrification (biodiesel production) of blend refined vegetable oil over novel promoted Cs–Ca/TiO2–SiO2 nanocatalysts was investigated. The effects of different mass ratios of Ca/TiO2–SiO2, loading of Cs as a promoter, calcination conditions and different operational conditions on the catalytic performance of Cs–Ca/TiO2–SiO2 nanocatalysts were studied. The best operational conditions were the methanol/oil = 12/1 at 60 °C with mechanical stirring of 500 rpm for 2 h. Characterization of catalysts was carried out by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and N2 adsorption–desorption measurements methods. The maximum biodiesel yield of 98% was obtained by using the optimal Cs–Ca/TiO2–SiO2 nanocatalyst.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (147 K)Download as PowerPoint slideCs–Ca/TiO2–SiO2 nanocatalysts were prepared. The activity of optimal catalyst was studied at different operational conditions. Viscosity and refractive index are recommended as reliable physical properties to estimate of biodiesel.