Mechanochemically synthesized CaO•ZnO catalyst for biodiesel production

The transesterification of triglycerides (vegetable oil) with methanol using CaO center dot ZnO mixed oxides catalyst were conducted to produce FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters, i.e. biodiesel). Catalyst was synthesized by ball milling of CaO and ZnO powder mixture (using molar ratio of CaO and ZnO of 1:2 and 1:4) with the addition of water, as well as solely by ball milling (molar ratio of 1:2) of mentioned powders and subsequent. After ball milling prepared mixtures were calcinatied at 700 degrees C in air atmosphere. The samples of formed catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The particle size distribution as well as the base strength using Hammett indicator was determined, too. CaO. ZnO catalysts were used in the methanolysis of sunflower oil, at 60 degrees C and 1 bar, using molar ratio of sunflower oil to methanol of 1:10 and with 2 wt% of catalyst based on oil weight. All catalysts exhibited good activity in the methanolysis of sunflower oil, with the yield of FAME above 90 % after 4 hours of reaction. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.