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Synthesis and Characterization of Amorphous Nano‐Alumina Powders with High Surface Area for Biodiesel Production
Author(s) -
Amini G.,
Najafpour G. D.,
Rabiee S. M.,
Ghoreyshi A. A.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
chemical engineering and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-4125
pISSN - 0930-7516
DOI - 10.1002/ceat.201300102
Subject(s) - transesterification , calcination , amorphous solid , materials science , catalysis , biodiesel production , chemical engineering , mesoporous material , biodiesel , nano , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , organic chemistry , chemistry , composite material , engineering
Nano‐alumina powders containing yttrium oxide were synthesized via the sol‐gel method using aluminum chloride hexahydrate as catalyst precursor. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed the presence of Al‐O and Al‐O‐Al bands in the powder structure and X‐ray diffraction spectra proved that the alumina was in the amorphous phase. The amorphous nano‐alumina powders were shown to be mesoporous with a high surface area, and both spherical and slit‐shaped particles were found in the calcined powder. A high percentage of conversion of oil to biodiesel was obtained in the transesterification reaction and the synthesized nano‐alumina powders could be easily regenerated for further use. The amorphous nano‐alumina powder can thus be recommended for use as active catalyst in the transesterification reaction for biodiesel production on the industrial scale.