Cerâmica (Sep 2021)

Microstructure and morphology of mechanically sulfated acid catalysts of α-Al2O3

  • T. K. Oliveira Costa,
  • S. B. F. Santos,
  • C. B. Silva,
  • E. L. de Barros Neto,
  • C. G. Pereira,
  • N. L. de Freitas

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/0366-69132021673833017
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 67, no. 383
pp. 308 – 315

Abstract

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Abstract This work reports the evaluation of the microstructure, morphology, and catalytic behavior of α-Al2O3 synthesized via combustion method for esterification reaction of oleic acid in soybean oil with ethanol to produce biodiesel. The reaction was evaluated with 2 wt% of catalyst at 160 °C for 3 h when the molar ratio of fatty acid:ethanol was 1:12. To enhance the catalytic performance of α-Al2O3, its sulfation was done by a different method using mechanical milling. The microcatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourie transform infrared spectroscopy, granulometric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed α-Al2O3 as the major phase, presence of SO4 2- groups, the contribution of the sulfation process to morphology with reduction of agglomerates, and particle size from 18.98 to 15.30 mm. The yield of ester was enhanced from 80% (α-Al2O3 as a catalyst) to 93% (SO4 2-/α-Al2O3 as a catalyst), which showed the milling as a fast method for synthesis of a highly efficient acid catalyst to produce biodiesel.

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