Seed oil of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. a non-edible promising feedstock for biodiesel synthesis

Abstract

Finding an alternative energy source that satisfies our energy needs while being ecologically beneficial is vital. This study aimed to synthesize biodiesel of ASTM standard from the non-edible seed oil of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik over cheap MgO nanoparticles using various characterization techniques like XRD, SEM, FT-IR, GC-MS, and NMR. The optimum 92% biodiesel yield was achieved at a 1:15 oil-to-methanol ratio using 30 mg catalyst concentration at a temperature of 60 °C, and the 40 min reaction time. The low acid value (0.39 KOH mg/kg) and in-range kinematic viscosity (4.16 cSt at 40 °C) of biodiesel is close to the conventional diesel, whereas the low calorific value (27933 KJ/Kg) indicates the presence of more oxygen in biodiesel than conventional one. Very low sulfur % wt (0.0126) ensures the eco-friendly nature of synthesized biodiesel. 42.72 MJ/kg Higher heating value (HHV), 47 cetane number, 2.89 h oxidative stability, 0.041 mg/Kg water content, 349 °C Distillation temperature (for 90% recovery) and 0.037 carbon residue and presence of mostly unsaturated methyl esters (FAMEs) make the synthesized biodiesel engine friendly, good fuel efficacy and competitive source for the commercial production.