Impact of Process Parameters on Biodiesel Yield Produced from Corn Stalk Using MgFe2O4 as Nano-Catalysts

The effect of key process parameters on biodiesel production from corn stalk oil using MgFe?O? nano-catalyst was systematically investigated. The results revealed a significant influence of these parameters on both transesterification efficiency and the physicochemical properties of the resulting biodiesel. The optimum reaction conditions that yielded the highest biodiesel conversion (79.54% v/v) were identified as follows: 4% catalyst concentration (w/w), 150 minutes reaction time, reaction temperature of 60 °C, methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 12:1, and agitation speed of 303 rpm. Comprehensive fuel characterization under these optimum conditions yielded the following results: density of 0.927 g·mL?¹, kinematic viscosity of 32.985 mm²·s?¹, flash point of 247 °C, fire point of 257 °C, cloud point of 19.4 °C, saponification value of 220.10 mg KOH·kg?¹, acid value of 0.5049 mg KOH·kg?¹, molecular weight of 755.76 g·mol?¹, aniline point in the range of 45–52 °C, diesel index between 31.82 and 41.16, and gross calorific value ranging from 16–18 MJ·kg?¹. All measured parameters were within the acceptable limits specified by EN 14214, ASTM D6751, and relevant API standards for biodiesel fuels. Furthermore, the characterization of biodiesel blends demonstrated their suitability for use in stationary engines, with performance metrics closely matching those of conventional diesel. These findings confirm the potential of corn stalk-derived biodiesel as a viable and sustainable alternative to fossil diesel, with the added benefit of reducing emissions of SO?, CO?, and NO?, thereby contributing to environmental protection and improved air quality.