Abstract
Different Ca–Mg–Al catalysts were prepared by the hydrotalcite route using co-precipitation and impregnation techniques. The effect of thermal treatment was studied and the obtained mixed oxides were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption-desorption and CO2-temperature programmed desorption. Catalysts were then tested in the transesterification of sunflower oil. The catalyst that showed the best catalytic performance was an uncalcined Mg4Al2 support impregnated with 40 wt% of calcium followed by a calcination at 600 °C (Ca600/Mg4Al2HT). Optimum conditions for biodiesel production over this catalyst were a reaction time of 6 h, a catalyst to oil ratio of 2.5 wt%, a 15:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, a stirring rate of 400 rpm and a temperature of 60 °C giving a final FAME yield of 95%.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
