Biodiesel and zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized simultaneously using supercritical methanol.
Zinc nitrate was used asthe source ofzinc for the formation ofthe zinc oxide nanoparticles,which acted
as acatalyst during the transesterificationofrapeseed oil.Inaddition,the insitu formed zinc oxide nano-
particles led to areduction inthe reaction temperature and time.The fatty acid methyl ester (FAME)
yields in the various biodiesels synthesized were determined using gas chromatography (GC).The zinc
oxide nanoparticles formed were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD),scanning electron mic roscopy
(SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM),and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR)spectroscopy.
The results ofthese analyses confirmedthe formation ofsurface-mod ifiedzinc oxide nanoparticles of
sizes smaller than those obtained using conventional techniques. This newly developed method provides
an economical advantage since itresults inthe lowering ofthe operational temperature and the produc-
tion of zinc oxide asanadditional byproduct.