Synthesis, characterization, and performance of x_MoO ₃ /Z‐22 and x_MoO ₃ / <scp>MMP</scp> catalysts for biodiesel production

Abstract The growing global demand for renewable fuels has driven the search for efficient catalysts in biodiesel production. This study presents the synthesis and characterization of x_MoO 3 /Z‐22 and x_MoO 3 /MMP heterogeneous catalysts, and evaluates the effects of process variables on biodiesel yield through statistical analysis. The micro‐mesoporous catalyst MMP was prepared using Z‐22 zeolite as a seed, while molybdenum trioxide was incorporated via incipient impregnation using ammonium heptamolybdate. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of crystalline phases associated with both the zeolite and molybdenum oxides. NH 3 ‐temperature‐programmed desorption (NH 3 ‐TPD) revealed that increasing MoO 3 content in x_MoO 3 /MMP enhanced total acidity, attributed to a higher concentration of active species on the catalyst surface. The highest fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield (99%) was obtained with the 15_MoO 3 /MMP catalyst under optimized conditions: an oil‐to‐alcohol molar ratio of 20:1, temperature of 150°C, and reaction time of 3 h. Statistical analysis based on a factorial experimental design demonstrated that MoO 3 loading (wt.%) and reaction time were the most statistically significant factors ( p &lt; 0.05) influencing biodiesel yield.