Synthesis of CuFe2O4 Nanoparticles for Applications in Biodiesel Production and Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye

Abstract

Copper ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized using the traditional co-precipitation method. The estimated average crystallite size is approximately 42.30 nm, calculated using Scherer’s formula. SEM images revealed an irregular and agglomerated morphology, suggesting a broad particle size distribution, which may influence the material's catalytic efficiency. The synthesized nanoparticles were successfully used for the degradation of the cationic dye Methylene Blue (MB), achieving a 94.2% removal efficiency from an aqueous solution at a concentration of 30 mg/L. In photocatalytic experiments, various parameters such as initial dye concentration, pH, and contact time were optimized to achieve efficient removal of MB dye. Furthermore, the copper ferrite nanoparticles were effectively utilized as a catalyst for the production of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME, or biodiesel) from oil extracted from algae. The algal oil was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus. The optimum process conditions for maximum FAME yield (95.2%) were found to be: 10% (w/v) catalyst concentration, a 12:1 methanol-to-oil ratio, 180 minutes of reaction time, and a reaction temperature of 338 K. The biodiesel produced from algal oil and the free fatty acid composition of the algal oil were confirmed using GC and FT-IR techniques.

Highlights

·       There are no reports on copper ferrite nanoparticles used for dual applications such as the degradation of methylene blue dye and the conversion algal oil to biodiesel.

·       Copper ferrite nanoparticles are reusable, hence they are more affordable.

·       The highest yield of biodiesel is obtained by using copper ferrite nanoparticles i.e. 95.2%.