Abstract
A biomass-based magnetic catalyst was synthesised by way of a chemical activation-doping-sulphonation process using empty fruit bunch (EFB) char as a precursor for conversion of palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) to biodiesel. The magnetic heterogeneous acid catalyst AC-Fe(x)-SO3Cl, with x = 2, 5, 10 and 15 (%) was prepared, to synthesise the optimised magnetic catalyst. The optimised magnetic catalyst was identified by applying TPD-NH3, BET, XRD, XPS, VSM, TGA and FESEM. The prepared magnetic catalyst had a higher surface area (20.42 m2/g), high acidity (29,520 μmol/g), and high magnetic properties (HC = 344.14G). The esterification activity of the AC-Fe(10)-SO3Cl catalyst showed high free fatty acid conversion (98.6%) with optimal reaction conditions of 4 wt% catalyst, 3 h reaction time, 16:1 methanol/PFAD ratio and 100 °C reaction temperature. In addition, AC-Fe(10)-SO3Cl showed the capability of maintaining esterification activity for six continuous cycles with no further treatment and gave a ∼79% biodiesel conversion. The produced catalysts showed characteristics such as high durability during esterification, with metal leaching containing low activity after several cycles. The EFB waste-based acidic magnetic catalysts are potentially efficient, economical, and eco-friendly for the esterification of waste oils and fats for biodiesel production.
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.
