Y. Sy, N. Nurhazanah, A. Maulana, M. Mahidin, H. Husin
This study reports on the development, preparation, and performance test of NbOPO4 solid acid catalyst for biofuel production from vegetable oil. NbOPO4 catalyst was synthesized by sol-gel method using NbCl5, H2SO4, and citric acid as the precursor solutions and chelating agent, respectively. Dependent variables in the study were calcination time of 5 h; NbOPO4 loading of 2%; transesterification time of 3 h; reaction temperature at 65-70°C and oil mass of 30 g. Whereas, the catalyst pH of 2, 4, 6, 9, and Na impregnation ratio of 20-50% were set as independent variables. The catalyst morphology was analysed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, catalyst elements was detected by Electron Dispersive X-Ray and X-Ray Diffractometer was used to characterize the crystallinity degree of the catalyst. The performance of the catalyst was evaluated from a transesterification reaction for biofuel production. The highest biofuel yield of 98,5% was obtained in the reaction using catalyst with a pH of 4 and Na impregnation ratio of 30%. The density obtained was 0,860 gr/cm3 confirming that the produced biofuel complies with the SNI. It can be concluded that Na-loaded NbOPO4 can be a promising alternative catalyst in biofuel production. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.
Graduate School of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia; Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
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