The application of a solid basic catalyst produced through the adsorption of red mud solution onto SiO2 for the production of biodiesel
Listed in
This article is not in any list yet, why not save it to one of your lists.Abstract
A catalyst (SiO 2 -RMS) composed of basic silica gel (SiO 2 ) with red mud solution (RMS), which is a waste alkaline solution, was prepared. The SiO 2 -RMS was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, XRD, XRF, BET and TG/DTA analysis. Basicity was determined using the Hammett titration. The SiO 2 -RMS catalyst was employed for the synthesis of biodiesel (FAME - fatty acid methyl esters). Triglycerides from waste cooking oil (WCO) were treated with MeOH, 1:18 molar ratio of WCO/MeOH, at 60 o C during 90 min in the presence of 10.0% (w/w) SiO 2 -RMS:WCO to yield mixtures of FAMEs. The use of SiO 2 -RMS catalyst resulted in a 100% conversion of WCO to FAME. The catalyst was reused in four more transesterification reactions with excellent yields. The reaction times after the first reaction cycle were longer: second cycle 2:30 h, third cycle 4:30 h and fourth cycle 8:30 h. The catalyst is obtained from inexpensive, easily prepared, recyclable and environmentally friendly waste material (waste management). The protocol is highly significant from green and sustainable chemistry perspectives because the reaction involves a renewable catalyst and solvent-free reaction conditions.
