Synthesis of Ca/MgO catalyst using sol gel method for monoglycerides production

Abstract

This paper discusses Ca-doped MgO catalysts using Sol-Gel method. The doping of Ca is expected to increase the basicity of the catalyst. The basicity of catalyst has effect on the monoglycerides production by glycerolysis reaction. The Ca/MgO catalyst was prepared by sol gel method by using solution as a precursor. This method was expected to produce a more homogeneous mixture of Mg and Ca. The catalyst was characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and the basicity was analyzed using Hammett titration method. The monoglycerides yield was analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Based on Hammett’s titration method, the basicity value was calculated in which the largest value was obtained by the dopant concentration of 2% Ca and calcination temperature of 800°C. The 2% Ca/MgO catalyst that has the highest basicity value was tested for the production of monoglycerides through glycerolysis reaction. This reaction carried on the conditions of 200°C, the catalyst amount of 0.1% weight of oil, the ratio of glycerol : oil = 3 : 1, reaction time of 3 hours, and stirring speed of 700 rpm. The composition of monoglyceride on oil phase product was 100%, while without catalysts composition was 7.43%.