Synthesis and improvement of Jatropha curcas L. biodiesel based on eco-friendly materials

The main purpose of this present work is to produce and improve Jatropha curcas L biodiesel using mixed natural zeolite and furfural to meet the demand of green and clean production. Trans-esterification of Jatropha oil using natural microporous zeolite (96.6% Thomsonite and 3.4% Analacime) has been carried out. The optimum molar ratio (oil: methanol: zeolite) to yield 85.65 wt.% of Jatropha biodiesel was found to be (1:3:0.2) respectively. XRD technique was used to identify the natural zeolite. Physicochemical characteristics of biodiesel were determined according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard methods and were found to be within ASTM permissible limits required for the operation of diesel engines except ash content. The element composition of synthesized biodiesel was investigated by Inductively Coupled Plasma. The synthesized biodiesel has been treated by different ratio of furfural. The best wt. % of furfural was found to be 66.6% (1:3, biodiesel: furfural). Treatment of Jatropha curcas L. biodiesel with furfural increased FAME and decreased alcohols, carbonyl, cyclic, and other compounds. Besides, furfural improved the physico-chemical characteristic of Jatropha curcas L. biodiesel within ASTM permissible limits. Cetane number has increased from 59.8 to 63.5 after treatment by 66.6% of furfural. © 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.