Trimetallic MgO-ZnO-BaO Nanoparticles Catalyzed Biodiesel Production Using Industrially Cultivated Cannabis sativa L. Oil: RSM Optimization and Assessment of Fuel Properties.

Abstract

Biodiesel synthesis by utilizing nonedible species of oil-bearing seeds is a viable, eco-friendly, and pragmatic approach to combating fossil fuel shortages and environmental pollution. Therefore, in the present research work, hemp oil was extracted in good yield (29.9%) utilizing industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds cultivated in a greenhouse at PCSIR-Lahore, Pakistan, using hydroponic technology (Crop 2022). For maximum biodiesel production, a ternary metal (MgO-ZnO-BaO NPs) nanocatalyst was designed and thoroughly characterized by PXRD, SEM, EDX, and FTIR analysis. Afterward, the nanocatalyst-assisted transesterification of hemp oil was carried out. The transesterification reaction of hemp oil was optimized by response surface methodology based on central composite design (CCD-RSM). A quadratic polynomial equation was employed to predict the optimal yields, while analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified the statistically significant factors influencing the process. The maximum yield of biodiesel (92%) was obtained by adjusting the methanol to hemp oil molar ratio (6:1), temperature at 65°C, MgO-ZnO-BaO NPs dosage of 2.5 g, and a reaction time of 3 h with a constant stirring rate of 750 rpm. The hemp-oil-based biodiesel was characterized by FTIR and GC-MS analysis. Fuel characteristics of biodiesel were determined according to ASTM D 6751, which were comparable to literature and ASTM standards. The findings of this comprehensive study proved the credibility of hemp seed oil as a feasible nonfood, nonconventional feedstock for producing high-quality biodiesel.