Open AccessFe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 ‐SO 3 H nanocomposites: an efficient magnetically separable solid acid catalysts for esterification reaction
Author(s) -
Li Jing,
Zhao Hongxiao,
Hou Xufeng,
Fa Wenjun,
Cai Junhui
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
micro and nano letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.25
H-Index - 31
ISSN - 1750-0443
DOI - 10.1049/mnl.2016.0463
Subject(s) - catalysis , nanocomposite , isoamyl alcohol , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , nuclear chemistry , transmission electron microscopy , scanning electron microscope , infrared spectroscopy , adsorption , materials science , chemistry , magnetic separation , alcohol , chemical engineering , analytical chemistry (journal) , organic chemistry , nanotechnology , composite material , engineering , metallurgy
Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 ‐SO 3 H nanocomposites were successfully synthesised as the efficient magnetically separable solid acid catalysts for an esterification reaction. The resultant catalysts were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and nitrogen physical adsorption analyses [Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) theory]. The catalytic activities of as‐prepared Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 ‐SO 3 H nanocomposites were also investigated for the esterification of n‐butyl acetate and isoamyl acetate. The acid esterification rate was confirmed by gas chromatography. The results showed that the Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 ‐SO 3 H nanocomposites can be as candidate cataysts for the concentrated H 2 SO 4 for the esterification reaction of n‐butyl alcohol or isoamyl alcohol. More importantly, the magnetic catalysts can be easily separated from the reaction system by a magnetic bar and reused at least three recycles without significant degradation of their activities.