Biodiesel from Moringa Oleifera Oil Using ...

Mixed oxide catalysts derived from MgAlLa layered double hydroxide (LDH) were prepared by co-precipitation and calcination. They were characterized by the XRD, FT-IR and BET techniques. Their catalytic performance was compared with the 5%K-promoted catalyst as heterogeneous base catalysts for the transesterification of Moringa oleifera oil with ethanol to produce biodiesel. At 110°C, reaction time 6 h, methanol:oil molar ratio 30, 10 wt.% catalyst, the biodiesel with 96.1% ester content can be obtained from the 5%K/Mg 0.70Al 0.11La0.19O catalyst. This solid base showed high activity without signs of catalyst leaching. M. oleifera oil appears to be an acceptable feedstock for biodiesel.