Development of an impressive method for the synthesis of α-MoO₃ nanobelts as an efficient catalyst for biodiesel production

This work presents a novel and eco-friendly technique for the first time to create α-MoO₃ nanobelts (NBs) by employing a straightforward procedure with glycerol and ascorbic acid acting as green complexing and polymerizing agents, respectively. The produced α-MoO₃ NBs were characterized using a range of analytical techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The NBs were used as a catalyst in the manufacturing of biodiesel. To assess the acidity strength of the catalyst, NH₃ was used in a temperature-programmed desorption (NH₃-TPD) experiment. Biodiesel was effectively produced from oleic acid and ethyl alcohol by the α-MoO₃ NBs. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed in the experimental design and optimization to get the ideal circumstances. Important variables, including temperature, reaction time, catalyst dosage, reaction time, temperature, and the molar ratio of alcohol to fatty acid, were examined. The outcomes demonstrated that the biodiesel production might approach 85% at ideal temperatures of 75 °C, 50 min of reaction time, a 30:1 molar ratio of alcohol to oleic acid, and 0.007 g of catalyst. The results also showed no appreciable activity loss throughout the catalyst’s efficient recovery and reuse for four cycles.