Development of CaO supported on modified geopolymer catalyst for transesterification of soybean oil to biodiesel. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Supamathanon, Natkanin; Boonserm, Kornkanok; Lisnund, Sireerat; Chanlek, Narong; Rungtaweevoranit, Bunyarat; Khemthong, Pongtanawat; Wittayakun, Jatuporn; Osakoo, Nattawut
• Is Part Of: Materials today communications. Volume 29(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Transesterification -- Geopolymer -- Heterogeneous catalysis -- Biodiesel -- CaO; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2021.102822
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-4928

Abstract

Abstract: Heterogeneous base catalysts, CaO supported on modified geopolymer (Geo), were developed and characterized as low-cost catalyst for biodiesel production from the transesterification of soybean oil. Geo was modified and synthesized by facile method, meta-kaolin and fumed silica were employed as sources of silica, alumina and, foaming agent (Al metal). The modified Geo was then compared to the conventional Geo without foaming agent (unfoamed-Geo). The catalysts, CaO with various loadings supported on Geo, were prepared by applying microwave radiation and subsequent calcination in air at 600 °C. The addition of Al metal during the synthesis of a geopolymer resulted in larger pore size. The results from CO2 -TPD and XPS suggested that the calcium species dispersed with strong interactions in the aluminosilicate network of the geopolymer structure leading to strong basicity of the catalysts. The reactivity results showed that the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield of 30%CaO/Geo was 93.12 ± 0.48%, larger amount than that of 30%CaO/unfoamed-Geo (70.87 ± 0.22%). Moreover, 30%CaO/Geo could be reused for at least 3 runs, suggesting a promising catalyst for cost-effective biodiesel production. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: Modified geopolymer (Geo) as catalyst support synthesized by a facile method. CaO supported on Geo material prepared by microwave irradiation. Supported catalyst CaO/Geo used as a catalyst for biodiesel production. The CaO/Geo showed superior catalytic activity and recyclable-ability. The new Geo based catalyst as a promising cost-effective catalyst for biodiesel production.