Abstract
Biodiesel has gained worldwide recognition for many years due to its renewability, lubricating property and environmental benefits. This research is focused on synthesis of 12-Tungstophosphoric acid (TPA) supported on SBA-15 as acid catalysts for the biodiesel production from a model feedstock Triolein. A large number of 0-35% TPA supported on SBA-15 catalysts were synthesized by impregnation method and the catalysts were characterized using BET, XRD, FTIR, TEM and ICP-MS. The catalytic activity of these catalysts was tested by transesterification of Triolein using a stirred tank reactor. The effect of operating conditions such as catalyst conc. and methanol to Triolein molar ratio on the transesterification of Triolein was studied using response surface methodology (RSM). Based on the study, 25% TPA is identified as the optimum catalyst loading on SBA-15 by impregnation. From the optimization study of 25% TPA impregnated SBA-15 using RSM model, 4.15 wt% catalyst (based on Triolein) and 39:1 methanol to Triolein molar ratio is found to be the optimum reaction condition, when the reaction temperature is kept fixed at 200°C, stirring speed at 600 rpm and allowing 10-h of reaction time. Predicted ester yield at the above condition is 97.4 %, and the actual (experimental) yield is 97.2%.
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