Abstract

Mesoporous alumina and alumina–sodium aluminate composites were obtained by sol–gel method using polyethyleneimine as template. New approach for the regulation of the micro- and nanostructure of the composites as catalytic materials was proposed, exploiting inorganic seeds for the control of morphology for the produced nanostructures. Composition and temperature window for preventing the leaching of sodium aluminate in the course of reaction and thus drastically improving the catalytic activity has been identified. Structure and phase composition of the thus obtained catalytic materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption/ desorption, FTIR spectra, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal analysis. New type of catalyst has shown high efficiency in the vegetable oil transesterification process under mild conditions opening prospects for small-scale production of reasonably good-quality biodiesel fuel. Graphical Abstract alumina matrix at proper compositions and under controlled temperatures permits to drastically decrease the leaching of aluminate and maintain its high catalytic activity in transesterification of vegetable oils with methanol.

Keywords

Sol-gel alumina; Template synthesis; Mesoporous matrix; Seeded crystallization; Transesterification catalyst; Biodiesel

Published in

Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology
2015, Volume: 76, number: 1, pages: 90-97

SLU Authors

• Seisenbaeva, Gulaim

  • The Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Kessler, Vadim

  • Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG7 Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all


UKÄ Subject classification

Energy Systems
Materials Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-015-3755-8

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/68729