Preparation of mixed spinel catalyst support (Ca_xMg_1-xAl₂O₄) reinforced by calcium oxide toward in the biodiesel production from vegetable oil

ABSTRACT

A number of Ca_xMg_1-xAl₂O₄ supports with different amounts of calcium were synthesized by the solution combustion method. Then, calcium oxide was placed on the support by the impregnation method. The synthesized catalysts were evaluated by various physico-chemical analyzes, and their catalytic performance in a biodiesel production system was probed. The results showed that the addition of calcium to the support could improve the physicochemical properties. The conversion of 93.3% was obtained using optimum catalyst (CaO/Ca_0.2Mg_0.8Al₂O₄) at the conditions of 100°C, 12 molar ratio of methanol to oil, 3 wt. % of catalyst, and 3 h of reaction time.

KEYWORDS:

• Calcium aluminate
• transesterification reaction
• biodiesel
• solution combustion
• basic active site

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge “Esfarayen University of Technology” for the financial support of the research as well as the “Central laboratory (Esfarayen University of Technology)” for cooperation and assistance throughout the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Esfarayen University of Technology