Biodiesel Synthesis over CaO/talc Nanopowders: Effect of Calcination Temperature and Kinetic Study

A solid CaO/talc mixed oxide catalyst was prepared using simple wet impregnation method. The prepared nanocatalyst was used in the transesterification reaction of canola oil and methanol for biodiesel synthesis. The effects of calcination temperature and reaction temperature were investigated on the activity of the catalyst. In addition, rate of the reaction has been studied by a kinetic model, and the kinetic parameters were determined. Surface properties and structure of the catalyst were characterized with powder X-ray diffraction XRD, thermogravimetry /derivative thermogravimetry TG/DTG, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller BET, indicating that the performance of the nanocatalyst corresponded to the generation of active sites and thermal activation.