The advantage of an ultrasonic-assisted transesterification of
Jatropha oil catalyzed by HPA/AC catalyst was demonstrated. The
maximum yield of 91% was achieved in just about 40 min at a molar
ratio of 25:1. The more dominant variables that affected the reaction
response were the reaction time and the reactants’ molar ratio.
Ultrasonic irradiation significantly decreased the reaction time as
compared to conventionalmixing process under the same conditions.
Low reaction temperature was recorded as compared to other acid
catalyzed processes. Short reaction time and low reaction temperature would help in improving the overall economy of the biodiesel
production process. The catalyst leaching study revealed that the
catalytic activity was mainly contributed by heterogeneous reaction