Novel Co3O4 decorated with rGO nanocatalyst to boost microwave-assisted biodiesel production and as nano-additive to enhance the performance-emission characteristics of diesel engine

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) Vol. 289; p. 129944
• Main Authors: Maleki, Basir, Kalanakoppal Venkatesh, Yatish, Esmaeili, Hossein, Haddadi, Masoumeh, Mithun Prakash, Ravikumar, Balakrishna, Geetha R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.02.2024
• Subjects: algorithms; Annona squamosa L. seed oil; Biodiesel; catalytic activity; Co3O4@rGO nanocatalyst; cobalt oxide; Diesel engine characteristics; diesel engines; diesel fuel; energy; energy use and consumption; Microwave radiation; microwave treatment; nanocatalysts; nanoparticles; oils; Response surface methodology; Diesel engine characteristics; Annona squamosa L. seed oil; Response surface methodology; Co3O4@rGO nanocatalyst; Microwave radiation; Biodiesel
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.129944

In this study, a novel Co3O4 decorated with rGO nanocatalyst was utilized in synergy with microwave heating as a novel approach for the generation of biodiesel. In this process, 98.04 % biodiesel yield was achieved by adopting response surface methodology algorithm under MEOH/oil molar ratio of 12.75:1, Co3O4@rGO loading of 1.53 wt%, microwave time of 7.17 min, and stirring speed of 512 rpm. The catalyst can be reused for seven times with biodiesel yields beyond 85 %. Co3O4@rGO was used as a nano-additive in the diesel engine to investigate the emission and performance of biodiesel blended with diesel. The Co3O4@rGO nanoparticles were dispersed into the B20 fuel with concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm. The outcomes discovered that the brake thermal efficiency of B20Co3O4@rGO50 is 1.22 % greater than B20, and the brake specific fuel consumption is declined by 5.05 %. The emissions from the diesel engine i.e. CO (29.88 %) and UHC (16.38 %) were significantly lowered compared to B20. The emission of NOx for B20Co3O4@rGO100 is 7.4 % lower than B20 and greater than conventional petrodiesel. Owing to its remarkable stability, excellent biodiesel yield, effective utilization in diesel engine, and high catalytic activity, the Co3O4@rGO is strongly proposed for industrial biodiesel generation utilizing microwave radiation. •A novel Co3O4@rGO employed for biodiesel generation by microwave-assisted.•High catalytic activity of Co3O4@ rGO in transesterification of Annona squamosa oil.•Maximum biodiesel yield of 98.04 % was achieved under optimal circumstances.•Co3O4@rGO nanocatalysts revealed promising recyclability up to the 7th cycle.•Disperse the Co3O4@rGO in B20 led to improved performance-emission diesel engine.