ACID-FUNCTIONALIZED MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLE AS CATALYST FOR BIODIESEL SYNTHESIS

摘要

Here we wish to report a robust acid-functionalized magnetic nanoparticle catalyst for biodiesel synthesis. Mono-dispersed Fe/Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are synthesized by thermal decomposition of Fe(CO)5 with an average diameter of 15 nm. The MNPs are coated with a silica layer and further functionalized with sulfamic acid and sulfonic acid groups on the surface. The acid-functionalized MNPs are characterized with TEM, XRD, DLS and zeta-potential measurements. Transesterification reaction between glyceryl tristearate and methanol is used as a model reaction for biodiesel synthesis. Our results show that the acid-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles can be used as effective solid acid catalysts to promote the biodiesel synthesis. Furthermore, the catalyst can be easily recovered and reused by magneto-precipitation after each reaction.