Abstract
Currently, global challenges of social, economic, and sustainable development entail energy and related services on a rising scale. The biofuel industry and engineering provide scientific solutions in the pursuit of eco-friendly and renewable energy sources and a circular economy. The present study engrossed in cleaner production of biodiesel from a novel feedstock of Chamaerops humilis with a high non-edible seed oil content of 30% (w/w). Cheaper and recyclable cobalt oxide nanoparticles were synthesized with leaf extract of Galium boreale to catalyzed transesterification. Characterization of cobalt oxide nanoparticles revealed their pure and nano nature with size of 40 nm. The highest methyl ester yield of 92% was achieved at optimal reaction conditions of methanol to oil ratio 6:1, catalyst loading of 0.54 (wt.%), temperature 60 degrees C and reaction time 3 h. Cobalt oxide nanoparticles were reusable up to five consecutive cycles. The 5, 8-octadecenoic acid was found as the leading fatty acid methyl ester in the sample of biodiesel. The fuel properties of biodiesel were in accord with international requirements. The minimum sulfur content of 0.0002% % indicated the clean and ecofriendly nature of biodiesel which is not only sustainable but economical too.