Synthesis and characterization of biodiesel from black date (Canarium schweinfurtii) seed kernel oil in the presence of green-synthesized Cu-Mn/TiO2 nanocatalyst using central composite design approach

Jibrin Mohammed; M.O AREMU; Abdullahi  Usman

doi:10.61298/rans.2026.4.1.227

Authors

J. Mohammed
[email protected]

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural & Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria
M. O. Aremu
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Federal University Lafia, Nigeria
A. Usman
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Federal University Lafia, Nigeria

Keywords:

Transesterification, Black date, Biodiesel, Nano catalyst, Central composite design

Abstract

One of the key challenges in scaling up biodiesel production is attaining the maximum yield while ensuring compliance with established quality standards. In this work, the potential of black date seed kernel oil as a feedstock for biodiesel synthesis was investigated using a green-synthesized Cu-Mn/TiO₂ nanocatalyst through a transesterification process. The oil was characterized using standard analytical procedures, while the catalyst was analyzed through FTIR, XRD, BET, and SEM techniques. Process optimization was carried out using Central Composite Design (CCD), considering methanol-to-oil molar ratio, catalyst loading, reaction temperature, and reaction time as the key variables. The optimum biodiesel yield of 95.07% was achieved at a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 12:1, catalyst loading of 2 wt%, reaction temperature of 65 °C, and reaction time of 75 minutes. The quadratic model developed from the experimental design was statistically significant (p < 0.0001), confirming its predictive reliability. The high coefficient of determination (R² = 0.9904), along with adjusted R² (0.9815) and predicted R² (0.9449) values obtained from ANOVA and fit statistics, demonstrated a strong agreement between the experimental and predicted outcomes. Among the studied variables, all exhibited significant effects on biodiesel yield except the methanol-to-oil molar ratio (p > 0.05). Physicochemical analysis of the oil confirmed its suitability as a feedstock for biodiesel production. These findings highlight black date seed kernel oil as a promising non-edible and sustainable raw material for biodiesel synthesis, particularly when optimized through statistical modeling and enhanced with an efficient nanocatalyst, contributing to the advancement of renewable and eco-friendly fuel alternatives.

Dimensions

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