SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HPW/AlSBA-15 CATALYSTS, AND THEIR EVALUATION IN ESTERIFICATION REACTION OF BENZOIC ACID WITH METHANOL

It was carried out the synthesis and characterization of catalysts based on tungsten heteropolyacids (HPW) supported on AlSBA-15 materials and further evaluation as catalysts in the esterification reaction of benzoic acid with methanol. AlSBA-15 materials with low mineral acid (HCl) content were synthesized; ordered mesoporous materials with good textural characteristics were obtained. The heteropolyacids incorporation by impregnation, led to a decrease in the specific area and micropores volume of the silica support, associated with the partial occupation of this volume by the HPW. The catalytic activity in esterification reaction, was higher when HPW impregnated on the support which contains a lower amount of aluminum (Si/Al 60) and fewer load of HPW (10%), demonstrating that the dispersion of heteropolyacids and not just the amount, is an important factor to consider in the design of such catalysts.