Biodiesel Production from Tannery Waste using a Nano Catalyst (Ferric-Manganese Doped Sulphated Zirconia)

In this study, biodiesel was prepared using fat from tannery waste in the presence of a nanocatalyst, Ferric-Manganese Doped Sulfated Zirconia (Fe-Mn-SO4/ZrO2). After its preparationthe catalyst was characterized by modified wetness impregnation method. The effect of the various parameters influencing the biodiesel process was studied and optimized. A maximum biodiesel yield of 96.6 wt% was obtained when the optimized conditions were 12:1 methanol to fat, catalytic loading of 6 wt% at 65 degrees C with a stirring rate of 450 rpm for 300 min. Furthermore, a catalyst reusability study was conducted to check the performance during recycling. It was observed that the catalyst can be recycled upto five times giving an yield above 90 wt%. Finally, the biodiesel properties were analyzed and compared with ASTM standards.