Catalytic performance and deactivation mechanism of a one-step sulfonated carbon-based solid-acid catalyst in an esterification reaction. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Bingxin; Gao, Ming; Geng, Jiayu; Cheng, Yuwei; Wang, Xiaona; Wu, Chuanfu; Wang, Qunhui; Liu, Shu; Cheung, Siu Ming
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 164(2021)
• Page Start: 824
• Page End: 832
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Carbon-based acid catalyst -- One-step sulphonation -- Esterification -- Biodiesel -- Deactivation mechanism; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.09.076
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, catalytic activity and deactivation mechanism of a carbon-based solid-acid catalyst in the esterification of oleic acid and methanol were investigated. The experimental results showed that the S150-4 catalyst, prepared by sulphonating at 150 °C for 4 h, yielded the highest sulfonic acid density. The conversion yield reached 97.98% under the optimum esterification conditions (i.e. catalyst loading, 10 wt%; methanol/oleic acid molar ratio, 8:1; reaction temperature, 65 °C; reaction time, 8 h) and decreased to 79.19% after four cycles. In the first batch of esterification, the formation of sulfonic esters was the main reason for the deactivation of the catalyst, whereas the leaching of sulphur was the main contributor in the second to fourth batches. Therefore, it is believed that reducing the leaching of sulphur and the formation of sulfonic esters by changing the addition method of methanol is an effective method to extend the service life of the catalyst. Highlights: A carbon-based solid-acid catalyst was prepared by a one-step sulphonation method. Catalysts are used in esterification with high activity. The deactivation mechanism of catalyst changed during the esterification reaction. Reduction of sulfonic acid mainly leads to the deactivation in esterification.