Trimetallic MgO‐ZnO‐BaO Nanoparticles Catalyzed Biodiesel Production Using Industrially Cultivated Cannabis sativa L. Oil: RSM Optimization and Assessment of Fuel Properties

Biodiesel synthesis by utilizing nonedible species of oil‐bearing seeds is a viable, eco‐friendly, and pragmatic approach to combating fossil fuel shortages and environmental pollution. Therefore, in the present research work, hemp oil was extracted in good yield (29.9%) utilizing industrial hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) seeds cultivated in a greenhouse at PCSIR‐Lahore, Pakistan, using hydroponic technology (Crop 2022). For maximum biodiesel production, a ternary metal (MgO‐ZnO‐BaO NPs) nanocatalyst was designed and thoroughly characterized by PXRD, SEM, EDX, and FTIR analysis. Afterward, the nanocatalyst‐assisted transesterification of hemp oil was carried out. The transesterification reaction of hemp oil was optimized by response surface methodology based on central composite design (CCD‐RSM). A quadratic polynomial equation was employed to predict the optimal yields, while analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified the statistically significant factors influencing the process. The maximum yield of biodiesel (92%) was obtained by adjusting the methanol to hemp oil molar ratio (6:1), temperature at 65°C, MgO‐ZnO‐BaO NPs dosage of 2.5 g, and a reaction time of 3 h with a constant stirring rate of 750 rpm. The hemp‐oil‐based biodiesel was characterized by FTIR and GC‐MS analysis. Fuel characteristics of biodiesel were determined according to ASTM D 6751, which were comparable to literature and ASTM standards. The findings of this comprehensive study proved the credibility of hemp seed oil as a feasible nonfood, nonconventional feedstock for producing high‐quality biodiesel.