Publication: Synthesis of Magnetic Catalyst Derived from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch for Esterification of Oleic Acid: An Optimization Study
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2022
Authors
Krishnan S.G.
Pua F.-L.
Tan E.-S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Diponegoro University
Abstract
Biomass, renewable, abundantly available and a good source of energy. The conversion of biomass waste into valuable products has received wide attention. In this study, an empty fruit bunch (oil palm EFB) supported magnetic acid catalyst for esterification reaction was successfully prepared via the one-step impregnation process. The new magnetic catalyst achieved a higher surface area of 188.87 m2/g with a total acidity of 2.4 mmol/g and identified iron oxide as ?-Fe2O3. The magnetization value of 24.97 emu/g demonstrated that the superparamagnetic catalyst could be easily recovered and separated after the reaction using an external magnet. The catalytic performance of oil palm EFB supported magnetic acid catalyst was examined by esterification of oleic acid. Esterification process parameters were optimized via Response Surface Methodology (RSM) optimization tool with Box-Behnken design (BBD). The following optimum parameters were determined: an amount of 9 wt% catalyst, molar ratio of methanol to oleic acid of 12:1, reaction time of 2 h and reaction temperature of 60 �C with a maximum conversion of 94.91% was achieved. The catalyst can be recycled up to five cycles with minimal loss in its activity. The oil palm waste-based magnetic acid catalyst indicates its potential replacement to the existing solid catalysts that are economical and environmentally friendly for the esterification process in biofuel applications. Copyright � 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group.
Description
Esterification; Esters; Fruits; Hematite; Magnetism; Molar ratio; Oleic acid; Palm oil; Acid catalyst; Empty fruit bunches; Esterification of oleic acids; Magnetic catalysts; Oil palm; Oil palm empty fruit bunch; Optimisations; Optimization studies; Sources of energy; ]+ catalyst; Biomass