Enhanced epoxidation of soybean oil by novel Al2O3–ZrO2–TiO2 solid acid catalyst. (22nd October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wei, Xiaoli; Cheng, Qianwei; Sun, Tingguang; Tong, Shan; Meng, Luli
• Is Part Of: Applied organometallic chemistry. Volume 35:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-10-22
• Subjects: Al2O3–ZrO2–TiO2 -- solid acid catalyst -- soybean oil -- epoxidation; Organometallic chemistry -- Periodicals; Organometallic compounds -- Periodicals; 547.05
• DOI: 10.1002/aoc.6063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-2605

Abstract

Abstract : This study aims to develop highly efficient, recyclable solid catalysts for the epoxidation of vegetable oils. An Al2 O3 –ZrO2 –TiO2 solid acid catalyst was prepared by a co‐precipitation/impregnation method and characterised through scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared and nitrogen adsorption–desorption analyses. The solid acid catalyst with a high surface area and typical slit pore adsorption was successfully synthesised. Al2 O3 –ZrO2 –TiO2 also exhibits high stability and improved catalytic efficiency in the epoxidation of soybean oil. An oil conversion rate of 86.6%, which is higher than that of conventional catalysts, was obtained with a catalyst loading of 0.8 wt% and was maintained at 76.6% even after recycling the catalyst three times. The performance of the solid catalyst was slightly superior to that of H2 SO4 . Therefore, this novel catalyst may potentially be applicable in catalysing soybean oil epoxidation. Abstract : Mesoporous structured Al2 O3 –ZrO2 –TiO2 solid acid catalyst was prepared. It was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the epoxidation reaction of soybean oil. The catalyst obtains the oil conversion of 86.6%. This catalyst was reused at least three times with sustained catalytic activity and characterised by using various techniques.