DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOPARTICLE-ENCAPSULATED WITH ACTIVATED CLAY FOR DECOLORIZATION OF VEGETABLE OIL

Abstract

This study focuses on optimizing the synthesis of ZnO/Kaolin nanoparticles and their application in adsorptive bleaching of palm oil. The reaction mechanism involves the dissolution of metal oxides (Fe₂O₃, Al₂O₃, CaO, MgO) from clay lattices using mineral acids, increasing the surface area and triggering ion exchange processes. The kaolin is beneficiated through crushing, washing, acid treatment, and drying, and then activated with ZnCl₂. Zinc oxide nanoparticles are synthesized using Moringa leaf extract and zinc acetate, followed by the synthesis of ZnO/Kaolin composites using Central Composite Design (CCD) to optimize parameters like kaolin ratio, calcination temperature, and time. The composites are characterized by XRD, XRF, and BET surface area analysis. The bleaching efficiency is evaluated through absorbance and iodine value, with ANOVA analysis confirming the significance of dosage, temperature, and time. The optimized conditions identified are essential for maximizing the composite’s adsorptive efficiency in palm oil bleaching.