Optimization of the activity of KOH/calcium aluminate nanocatalyst for biodiesel production using response surface methodology

Abstract

In this study, alumina and calcium aluminate were prepared through microwave combustion method (MCM) and then were modified by potassium hydroxide as solid base catalysts. The catalytic activities were evaluated in the transesterification reaction of canola oil. The characteristic properties of the samples determined by XRD, FTIR, TG, BET surface area, basicity by Hammett indicator, SEM and EDX showed that the alpha phase of alumina and monocalcium aluminate (CaAl2O4) were successfully synthesized by MCM. However, the samples showed less basicity and activity whereas these properties were meaningfully increased by KOH loading. Moreover, the surface area of monocalcium aluminate was increased from 38.9 to 48.1m2/g by loading of potassium components. To obtain a catalyst with highest activity and basicity, the calcium oxide and potassium group precursor dosages on aluminum oxide were optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal parameters obtained were calcium oxide/alumina molar ratio of 1.48:1 and 23wt.% potassium hydroxide to CaO-Al2O3. The yield in the optimal condition was 96.7% (the predicted yield was 98.3%) where the transesterification reaction was performed in conditions of 65°C, 3.5wt.% catalyst, 12:1 molar ratio of methanol-to-oil and 4h reaction time. The catalyst maintained its activity for at least three times.