Synthesis of fatty acid methyl ester from used vegetable cooking oil by solid reusable Mg₁− x Zn₁₊ x O₂ catalyst

Fatty acid methyl ester was produced from used vegetable cooking oil using Mg₁− x Zn₁₊ x O₂ solid catalyst and the performance monitored in terms of ester content obtained. Used vegetable cooking oil was employed to reduce operation cost of biodiesel. The significant operating parameters which affect the overall yield of the process were studied. The highest ester content, 80%, was achieved with the catalyst during 4h 15min reaction at 188°C with methanol to oil ratio of 9:1 and catalyst loading of 2.55wt% oil. Also, transesterification of virgin oil gave higher yield with the heterogeneous catalyst and showed high selectivity towards ester production. The used vegetable cooking oil did not require any rigorous pretreatment. Catalyst stability was examined and there was no leaching of the active components, and its performance was as good at the fourth as at the first cycle.