Synthesis and Characterization of Li -Zeolite Catalyst for Biodiesel Production from Castor Oil

This study used lithium-modified Zeolite as a heterogeneous catalyst to make biodiesel from non-edible castor oil. The catalyst was wet impregnated with natural Zeolite and characterized by XRD, FTIR, and SEM. Castor oil was extracted and injected into a GC-MS unit for analysis, and established procedures were used to evaluate chemical properties. The catalyst's performance in the transesterification reaction was examined to determine optimal process conditions and reusability. A catalyst characterization study found that the lithium-modified zeolite catalyst selectively produces methyl esters from castor oil with 4% FFA in a batch process. The maximum biodiesel yield was 92% at 60°C, 60 minutes, 6:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio, and 1.5% catalyst loading. The catalyst reusability test showed 12.8% degradation after four cycles. Under ideal conditions, biodiesel had a flashpoint of 62°C, kinematic viscosity of 1.24 cSt, and density of 0.81 g/cm3. Fuel properties were compared to ASTM standards to verify compliance. Castor oil is a promising biodiesel source. Zeolite modified with lithium is an effective heterogeneous catalytic transesterification catalyst for methyl ester under milder reaction conditions.