Transesterification of sunflower oil catalyzed by flyash-based solid catalysts

Abstract Flyash-based base catalyst was used in the transesterification of sunflower oil with methanol to methyl esters in a heterogeneous manner. Catalyst preparation variables such as, the KNO 3 loading amount and calcination temperature were optimized. The catalysts were characterized by powder XRD. The catalyst prepared by loading of 5 wt.% KNO 3 on flyash followed by its calcination at 773 K has exhibited maximum oil conversion (87.5 wt.%). The influence of various reaction parameters such as % catalyst loading, methanol to oil molar ratio, reaction time, temperature, reusability of the catalyst on the catalytic activity was investigated. K 2 O derived from KNO 3 might be an essential component in the catalyst for its efficiency.