Abstract
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•Lemon peel powder worked as effective reducer in ZnO nanoparticle synthesis.•Surface area decreased with increase in % of ZnO content in the ZnO/MCM-41.•Higher amount of unsaturated compounds detected in biodiesel.•The 1H NMR analysis confirmed the presence of esters.•90BD:10UD fuel blend showed significant performance.
This study demonstrates the importance of lemon peel powder in the formation of ZnO nanoparticles. The facile synthesis of core-shell morphological ZnO/MCM41 was achieved in a one-pot approach. The catalyst formation was confirmed by XRD, nitrogen adsorption–desorption studies, TGA, DSC, and SEM analysis. Jatropha to biodiesel production was concisely performed using the composite materials and the futuristic result are presented and discussed in this paper. Different coating % of ZnO over MCM-41 (10%, 20%, and 30%) were examined for their performance in biodiesel conversion. A maximum of 99.4% conversion of Jatropha oil was observed using the catalyst ZnO/MCM-41 (20%). A detailed analysis of the produced biodiesel was performed using NMR and GC. Due to the high saponification value and iodine number, a large % of higher methyl ester composition was observed. The produced biodiesel (BD) was further blended with the diesel (D) fuel (90 % to 30 %) and examined for its performance in the engine. Smoke emission and power of the engine was found to be excellent for the 90BD:10D blend.