Different feedstocks and operating parameters on catalytic cracking of waste cooking oil using <scp>NiO</scp> ‐ <scp> Fe ₃ O ₄ </scp> ‐ <scp>ZnO</scp> / <scp>AC</scp>

Abstract The catalytic cracking of waste cooking oil (WCO) presents a sustainable pathway for renewable fuel production. This study investigates the performance of a newly developed activated carbon (AC) supported trimetallic oxide catalyst, NiO–Fe₃O₄–ZnO/AC, for the efficient conversion of WCO into liquid hydrocarbon, including WCOs from different oil‐bases, effect of operating conditions, and recyclability. The catalyst was synthesized via wet impregnation and tested in a batch reactor using three types of WCO—derived from palm oil, canola oil, and sunflower oil—to evaluate the influence of feedstock fatty acid composition. Key reaction parameters, including temperature, residence time, and catalyst loading, were systematically studied. Under optimal conditions (400 °C, 60 min, 3 wt.% catalyst), the system achieved a liquid yield of 93.17 wt.%, with 63.27% selectivity toward n‐alkanes and minimal coke formation (0.06 wt.%). Notably, the catalyst exhibited both strong deoxygenation capability, and reusability. This work highlights the catalyst's versatility across different feedstocks and establishes its potential for sustainable biofuel production.