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Identifying the active phase in Cs‐promoted MgO nanocatalysts for triglyceride transesterification
Author(s) -
Woodford Julia J.,
Parlett Christopher M.A.,
Dacquin JeanPhilippe,
Cibin Gianantonio,
Dent Andrew,
Montero Janine,
Wilson Karen,
Lee Adam F.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.4098
Subject(s) - transesterification , biodiesel , nanomaterial based catalyst , catalysis , supercritical fluid , diesel fuel , biodiesel production , sunflower oil , chemistry , chemical engineering , materials science , organic chemistry , food science , engineering
Background Biodiesel is a clean‐burning, renewable and biodegradable diesel fuel substitute derived from animal fats and plant oils, which may play an important role in replacing diminishing fossil fuel reserves and combating climate change. Conventional biodiesel production uses soluble base catalysts, such as Na or K alkoxides, to convert oils into fuel, and as a result requires energy intensive aqueous quench cycles to isolate the biodiesel product.Results Cs‐doping nanoparticulate MgO , prepared via a novel, supercritical sol–gel method, yields a solid base catalyst with improved activity for the transesterification of pure triacylglycerides ( TAGs ) and olive oil.Conclusion Here, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy ( XAS ) is used to probe the local chemical environment of Cs atoms in order to identify the nature of the catalytically active species as Cs 2 Mg ( CO 3 ) 2 ( H 2 O ) 4 . © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry