Green Synthesis and Characterizations of Flower Shaped CuO Nanoparticles for Biodiesel Application

Nanomaterials are primary candidates to play a key role in energy future. In this work, plant-mediated green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles was studied. The CuO nanoparticles were used as the catalysts for the production of biodiesel from coconut oil. An aqueous extract of Centella Asiatica leaves was used as a bio-reducing agent for the synthesis of CuO nanoparticles. This biocatalyst was characterized by using different techniques (FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FESEM with EDX) which were confirmed the formation of CuO nanoparticles. Further, the presences of FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) groups at the produced biodiesel were confirmed using both the GC-MS and FTIR analysis. From this work, it has been concluded that the plant extract mediated synthesis of CuO nanoparticles is quite simple, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The produced biodiesel from coconut oil is considered to be a potential source for alternative conventional fuel