Abstract

This paper presents the effect of different factors that affect the conversion of Jatropha caucus (JCO) oil to biodiesel and the optimum conditions in a batch reactor using Zinc oxide as catalyst. Four replicate transesterification experimental runs were carried out for each of the mixing duration 25, 50, 75, and 100 min under different typical transesterification reaction conditions of 9.115 g JCO, temperature (37, 57, and 67°C), ZnOconcentration (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) (wt% JCO), methanol to oil ratio (6:1, 8:1, 12:1 and 24:1) at a constant mixing rate. The optimum conditions were found to be 1% ZnO, 18:1 methanol to oil ratio, 67°C temperature and highest yield of biodiesel obtained was 98%.

Key words: Yield, transesterification, Jatropha oil, zinc oxide.