Recently, environmental, social and sustainability issues associated with use of fossil-based fuels are generating much concern and interest for the development of renewable energy. Catalyst design and development is critical and occupying central position for successful conversion of renewable feedstock to renewable fuels. In this work, optimization of reaction parameters that influences catalytic performance particularly biodiesel yield and catalyst reusability were tailored to enhance catalytic activities of basic anionic (AmerlystA26) and acidic cationic (Amberlyst-36) ion-exchange resins in transesterification of vegetable oil with methanol to biodiesel using both conventional and autoclave biodiesel synthesis. Basic anionic Amberlyst-A26 catalyst has demonstrated great potential for biodiesel synthesis with Sunflower oil than the acidic cationic Amberlsyt-36 resin using the conventional-round bottom flask method. Biodiesel yield >90% was obtained at temperature as low as 40 oC and a yield >75% within 1 hour at 50 oC. The catalyst showed higher degree of reusability by losing only 19% of its original activity after thirteen cycles. Conversely, autoclave biodiesel synthesis carried out using both catalysts revealed that the acidic Amberlyst-36 is more active under severe reaction conditions of autoclave. Hence, polymeric resins are viable active solid catalyst for biodiesel synthesis capable resisting leaching of active sites and loss of activity during biodiesel synthesis provided the right reaction conditions are explored

Keywords : Heterogeneous Catalyst; Leaching; Biofuels; Biomass valorization; Reaction condition; Environment