Dimethyl carbonate synthesis over solid base catalysts derived from Ca–Al layered double hydroxides

Abstract

The Ca–Al oxide catalysts are prepared via thermal decomposition of Ca–Al layered double hydroxide precursors and characterized by XRD, TG, SEM, BET, CO2-TPD, Hammett indicators, XPS and ICP techniques. The obtained catalysts are then tested for transesterification of methanol with propylene carbonate (PC), highest dimethyl carbonate (DMC) yield of 59.9% has been reached with methanol: PC molar ratio of 12, catalysts weight of 2 wt% total reactants, and reaction time of 2 h. Research results show that though the transesterification occurs over various basic sites, the strong basic site has a leading role on transesterification, which is consistent with the activity results. The catalysts can be recycled and the reason for the decrease in catalytic activity is further discussed in detail. The catalytic performance of Ca-Al solid base catalysts derived from Ca-Al layered double hydroxides for dimethyl carbonate production under heterogeneous conditions.