Zinc Aluminate Nano-Catalyst for Green Fuel Production from Used Cooking Vegetable Oil

Abstract

The pursuit of sustainable and renewable energy has driven research into green fuel production from vegetable oils. Hydrocracking, a promising conversion technique, requires efficient catalysts to enhance reaction kinetics and control product selectivity. This work investigates zinc aluminate nano-catalysts for green fuel synthesis from vegetable oils. Zinc aluminate nano-catalysts were synthesized and analyzed using XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, and N₂ physisorption. The ZnAl₂O₄ nanoparticles showed a high surface area of 113m²/g with uniform sub-50 nm particles. The hydrocracking reaction conditions consisted of temperatures from 350 to 450°C, hydrogen pressures of 30, 50, and 70 bar, and liquid hourly space velocities in the range of 1 to 2 h⁻¹. The hydrocracking of used cooking oil was evaluated under different conditions using zinc aluminate nano-catalysts. At 400°C, 1.5 wt.% catalyst loading, 50 bar H₂ pressure at 2 ml/min flow rate, biodiesel yield reached 45%. At 450°C, 1.5 wt.% loading, and 50 bar H₂ at 1 ml/min, biokerosene yield reached 47%. Compared to ZSM-5 zeolites, zinc aluminate demonstrated superior catalytic activity, Zinc aluminate nano-catalysts present a promising pathway for green fuel generation from vegetable oils. Their high activity, selectivity, and stability make them well-suited for efficient and sustainable hydrocracking. This work offers valuable perspectives on zinc aluminate nano-catalyst design and application, advancing environmentally benign and economically viable approaches for green fuel production.