Highly efficient supported AlCl3‐based cationic catalysts to produce polyα‐olefin oil base stocks

Abstract

AbstractThe main aim of this research is to decrease the amount of AlCl3 content that is very corrosive and hazardous in the catalytic system, required for the α‐olefin oligomerization without substantial change of final oil features. This was successfully achieved by supporting AlCl3 on different carriers. More precisely, a series of supported bimetallic catalysts was synthesized by immobilization of AlCl3 and TiCl4 onto Al2O3, SiO2, and mixed supports, that is, Al2O3/FeCl3 and SiO2/FeCl3. It was found that silica and alumina‐based catalysts had higher catalytic activities compared to support free AlCl3; however, this enhancement for silica‐based supports was more significant. According to gel permeation chromatography (GPC) results, the use of single supports, that is, Al2O3 and SiO2, increased oligomer's molecular weight, while the application of mixed supports resulted in the decrease of molecular weight of the oligomers. Viscosity characteristics of the synthesized oligomers have also been studied at two different temperatures of 40 and 100°C (KV40 and KV100). The viscosity index (VI) values, derived from KV40 and KV100, of the prepared oligomers were in the range of 126–145. The molecular weight and termination mechanisms of the oligomers were studied by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The obtained results disclosed that the employed reaction conditions led to the production of oligomer chains with various structures including vinylidene (Vd), and di and three‐substituted vinylene (2Vn, 3Vn) structures.