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.