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Selective Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate via Transesterification of Propylene Carbonate with Methanol Catalyzed by Bifunctional Li‐Al Nano‐composite
Author(s) -
Nivangune Nayana,
Kelkar Ashutosh
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
chemistryselect
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 34
ISSN - 2365-6549
DOI - 10.1002/slct.201901621
Subject(s) - dimethyl carbonate , catalysis , transesterification , methanol , selectivity , bifunctional , chemistry , propylene carbonate , base (topology) , inorganic chemistry , nuclear chemistry , carbonate , organic chemistry , mathematical analysis , mathematics , electrode , electrochemistry
A series of binary mixed metal oxides (MMOs) were synthesized by combination of M n+ /Al 3+ (M n+ = Li, Mg, Co, Ni, Zn) via co‐precipitation method and screened for transesterification of propylene carbonate (PC) with methanol. The aim of this study was to understand the role of acid‐base properties of MMOs on the activity and selectivity towards dimethyl carbonate (DMC) synthesis. The MMOs were characterized in detail by XRD, BET, TEM, NH 3 and CO 2 ‐TPD techniques. Catalysts synthesized by various combination of M n+ /Al 3+ showed different textural and surface properties and the strength of acid‐base sites were also found to be significantly altered. These changes in physicochemical properties significantly affected the PC conversion and selectivity to DMC. Li + incorporated in Al 3+ showed the formation of octahedral α‐LiAlO 2 phase having more amounts of active sites (O 2− ) present on the edges and corner of the structure. This resulted in easy accessibility of active sites and higher activity compared to other catalysts screened. Furthermore the catalyst retained high activity and selectivity for six consecutive recycle experiments; which is highly desirable for large‐scale application.