γ- Al2O3-supported Cobalt and Zinc as heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production assisted by ultrasonic wave

The investigation of the transesterification process of castor oil using γ-Al2O3 and Co-Zn catalysts supported by γ-Al2O3 was carried out with the assistance of ultrasonic waves. The amplitude was measured at 37 % and 66 % for a duration of 10 min during the reaction. According to the study's findings, castor oil can be transesterified using ultrasonic waves to produce biodiesel or FAME with the inclusion of different catalysts. The amplitude of the ultrasonic waves significantly affects the production of biodiesel. The highest FAME product yield (89.84 %) was obtained with a Co-Zn/γ-Al2O3 5 % (1:1) catalyst at an amplitude of 66 %. The most abundant FAME compound identified was 9-Octadecenoic acid, 12-hydroxy-methyl ester, accounting for 73.46 % of the total area.