MgO–Li2O catalysts templated by a PDMS–PEO comb-like copolymer for transesterification of vegetable oil to biodiesel. (1st February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lu, Haitao; Yu, Xinhai; Yang, Shuang; Yang, Huagui; Tu, Shan-Tung
• Is Part Of: Fuel. Volume 165(2016)
• Page Start: 215
• Page End: 223
• Publication Date: 2016-02-01
• Subjects: MgO–Li2O -- Solid base catalyst -- Biodiesel -- Template -- Leaching; Fuel -- Periodicals; Coal -- Periodicals; Coal; Fuel; Periodicals; 662.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2015.10.072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-2361

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: MgO–Li2 O catalyst exhibited an excellent catalytic activity and anti-leaching ability. Bimodal pore distribution of MgO–Li2 O catalyst enhanced biodiesel yield. Dispersed Li2 O nanoparticles resulted in an increases of strong basic sites. Abstract: In this study, MgO–Li2 O catalysts were developed for biodiesel synthesis using poly(dimethylsiloxane–ethyleneoxide) PDMS–PEO as a structure-directing agent. The MgO–Li2 O catalysts have a three-dimensional interconnected highly porous structure with bimodal pore distribution that enhances the transesterification reaction. Moreover, Li atoms are not accommodated by alternating MgO slabs within the growth regions; thus a Li exsolution is locally generated and gives rise to a unique morphology of hybrid MgO and Mg2 SiO4 crystals loaded with the surface Li2 O nanoparticles. The dispersed Li2 O nanoparticles results in an increases of strong basic sites. We found that the best catalyst of LM0.12-873 (Li/Mg molar ratio = 0.12, calcination temperature is 873 K) with the largest amount of strong basic sites has better catalytic activity and anti-leaching ability compared with other reported catalysts. The MgO–Li2 O catalysts templated by a PDMS–PEO comb-like copolymer have a high potential for use in the large-scale biodiesel production.