Efficient transesterification over two-dimensional zeolites for sustainable biodiesel production

Hao Pang, Guoju Yang*, Lin Li, Jihong Yu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Basic zeolites have shown great potential as efficient catalysts for biodiesel production in the transesterification reactions. However, conventional three-dimensional (3D) basic zeolites generally suffer from limited base sites and severe mass-transfer restriction, thereby suppressing their catalytic activity. Herein, 2D basic zeolites with large external surface areas, hierarchical characteristics, and abundant accessible and stable base sites are prepared by expansion, delamination and subsequent solid-state ion-exchange (SSIE) approach. The facile SSIE method provides more advantages in stabilizing and dispersing high concentration of strong basic sites than the conventional liquid-phase ion-exchange (LIE) approach. Due to the excellent mass transportation and stable basic sites, the 2D Na/ITQ-2 prepared by the SSIE approach shows remarkably enhanced activity and recyclability in the transesterification of triglycerides to produce biodiesel, compared to 3D zeolites and other reported basic zeolites. This work will open the boulevard to the rational design of 2D basic catalysts and expand the potential application of 2D zeolites to biodiesel production and other industrial reactions involving bulky molecules.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)405-413
Number of pages9
JournalGreen Energy and Environment
Volume5
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biodiesel
  • Solid-state ion-exchange
  • Transesterification
  • Two-dimensional
  • Zeolites

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