Catalytic performance of bulk and La2O3-supported strontium oxide as a novel bifunctional catalyst for biodiesel production from sunflower oil

Abstract

A SrO/La2O3 catalyst was prepared by physical ball-milling to improve stability and reusability in biodiesel production via transesterification. Characterization by XRD, FTIR, FESEM-EDX, and BET confirmed the catalyst properties. Optimized reaction conditions (Me: Oil ratio of 12:1, 1 wt% catalyst, 65 degrees C, 30 min) using the 3 SrO/La2O3 catalyst calcined at 800 degrees C achieved a maximum FAME yield of 98.6%. The catalyst maintained good reusability, with yield decreasing to 87% after three cycles. Biodiesel quality met ASTM D 6751 standards as confirmed by GC-MS and FTIR analysis. This work demonstrates the potential of SrO/La2O3 as a promising catalyst for efficient biodiesel synthesis.