Nattha Baingam, Li-Yu Wang, Dr. Shih-Yuan Chen, Fitrah Hardhana, Dr. Chung-Kai Chang, Dr. Hiroyuki Tateno, Dr. Takehisa Mochizuki, Prof. Chia-Min Yang, Prof. Apanee Luengnaruemitchai
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Blending biodiesel fuel (BDF) with petrodiesel effectively reduces CO₂ emissions in the transportation sector. The carbon footprint can be further minimized by converting crude glycerol, a byproduct of the BDF industry, into high-value products like triacetin, which can serve as a biofuel additive. This study demonstrated the acetylation of glycerol with acetic acid using propylsulfonic acid-functionalized KIT-6 mesoporous silica (PA-KIT-6) as a solid catalyst to produce triacetin. A series of PA-KIT-6 catalysts was synthesized by post-synthesis (grafting) and direct-synthesis (co-condensation) methods with varying sulfonic acid loading, using 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) and hydrogen peroxide as precursor and oxidant. In-situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectra confirm that all catalysts contained Brønsted acid sites, which increased with sulfonic acid loading. The P-20PA-KIT-6 catalyst, with 0.25 mmol g⁻¹ sulfonic acid loading, exhibited the best performance. Glycerol was rapidly consumed, and 52% selectivity for triacetin was achieved using a 1:9 glycerol-to-acetic acid molar ratio and 2.83 wt.% catalyst at 115 °C for 8 h. This catalyst was reusable, maintaining its activity and selectivity over four cycles. This study highlights the intrinsic activity of sulfonic acid-based solid acids with Brønsted acidity in glycerol acetylation, effectively producing triacetin.
期刊介绍:
With an impact factor of 4.495 (2018), ChemCatChem is one of the premier journals in the field of catalysis. The journal provides primary research papers and critical secondary information on heterogeneous, homogeneous and bio- and nanocatalysis. The journal is well placed to strengthen cross-communication within between these communities. Its authors and readers come from academia, the chemical industry, and government laboratories across the world. It is published on behalf of Chemistry Europe, an association of 16 European chemical societies, and is supported by the German Catalysis Society.