AUTHOR=Ameen Maria , Zafar Muhammad , Nizami Abdul-Sattar , Ahmad Mushtaq , Munir Mamoona , Sultana Shazia , Usma Anwar , Rehan Mohammad 

TITLE=Biodiesel Synthesis From Cucumis melo Var. agrestis Seed Oil: Toward Non-food Biomass Biorefineries

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Energy Research

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/energy-research/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2022.830845

DOI=10.3389/fenrg.2022.830845

ISSN=2296-598X

ABSTRACT=<p>This study aims to examine the potential of non-edible seed oil (<italic>Cucumis melo</italic> var. <italic>agrestis</italic>), seed oil content 29.1%, FFA 0.64 (mg KOH/g) for biodiesel production via nano-catalyst. The catalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The maximum biodiesel yield (93%) was attained under optimized conditions, i.e., 9:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 2 wt% catalyst (MgO) at 60°C. The synthesized biodiesel yield was optimized through response surface technology via Box Behnken design (BBD). Biodiesel was characterized by advanced analytical techniques, including gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy, FTIR, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Fuel properties of synthesized biodiesel, including density (0.800 kg/L), K. viscosity @ 40°C (4.23 cSt), cloud point −12°C, pour point −7°C, sulfur content (0.0001%), flash point (73.5°C), total acid no (0.167 mg KOH/g) were found in lines with international standard of American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM). <italic>Cucumis melo</italic> var. <italic>agrestic</italic> seed oil and nano MgO catalyst appeared as economical, sustainable, and feasible candidates to overcome global energy glitches and environmental issues. The study findings involving unpalatable seed oil will be a promising step toward non-food biomass biorefinery.</p>