Kinetics study of sonotransesterification of low grade crude palm oil (CPO) using heterogeneous Na2O/activated natural mordenite catalyst

The kinetics of transesterification have been extensively studied, primarily focusing on conventional heating methods and various catalytic systems. This study addresses a critical gap by investigating reaction kinetic on the sonotransesterification of low grade crude palm oil (CPO) using an activated natural mordenite (ANM) zeolite impregnated with Na₂O catalyst, with the influence of temperature at 45 °C, 55 °C, 65 °C, and 75 °C as well as reaction time of 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, and 60 min. The results demonstrate a maximum biodiesel yield of 80.08% at 65 °C after 60 min of reaction, under conditions of 4% catalyst loading and an alcohol to oil molar ratio of 12:1. However, at higher temperatures, the decline in biodiesel yield was observed, likely due to excessive cavitation effects. Kinetic analysis indicated that the reaction followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model, with a low activation energy (Ea) of 23.229 kJ/mol, a frequency factor (A) of 7 × 10^-3, and a rate constant (k) of 7 × 10^-3.e^-23229/RT. The notably reduced activation energy demonstrates the catalyst's efficiency in facilitating the reaction under ultrasonic conditions. The decrease in activation energy in biodiesel synthesis using the Na₂O/ANM catalyst provides a good prospect for increasing the productivity and efficiency of the biodiesel industry.