High efficient conversion of Cannabis sativa L. biomass into bioenergy by using green tungsten oxide nano-catalyst towards carbon neutrality

Current study focuses on the utilization of non-edible oil seeds of Cannabis sativa as an economical feedstock for synthesizing high quality biodiesel using novel, green and extremely reactive tungsten oxide (WO3) nano catalyst. The as synthesized green nanoparticles (NPs) were examined using Fourier-transform infrared spec-troscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), energy diffraction X-ray (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that WO3 has spherical crystal structure with a diameter of 45 nm. Highest biodiesel yield (91 wt%) was achieved under dynamic conditions i.e., 2 wt% catalyst, 1:7 oil to methanol molar ratio, 80 degrees C reaction temperature for 120 min. The reaction conditions were optimized via Response Surface Methodology. WO3 NPs showed catalytic stability up to five rounds. The fuel characteristics of biodiesel met the values set by international standards. Non-edible Cannabis sativa seed oil and novel green WO3 nano-catalyst are economical choices to assist the sustainable growth of biodiesel industry.