Biodiesel synthesis from waste materials using a nanocatalyst: from waste to sports energy

The development and sustainable production of renewable and clean fuels have become essential not only for industrial and domestic energy consumption but also for achieving sustainability in sports, transportation, and large public events. In this work, a reusable magnetic nanocatalyst based on cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄@NH₂) was designed and applied to biodiesel production. The use of waste cooking oil reduces costs, making this biofuel route even more environmentally friendly. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometer analyses fully characterized the structure of this catalyst and confirmed its correct synthesis. Under conditions (3 wt% CoFe₂O₄@NH₂, 60°C, 9:1 methanol to oil ratio), approximately 97% biodiesel was produced. The catalyst showed excellent stability and reusability over multiple reaction cycles. Such efficient waste-to-fuel technologies could provide clean energy alternatives to power the transportation fleet and infrastructure associated with modern sports facilities and events. This study demonstrates a green and economically viable route to producing high-quality biodiesel using recyclable nanocatalysts, in line with the global movement toward environmentally friendly energy in sports and beyond.