Effect of Sulfonating Agent on Esterification Reaction Using Aerogel Carbon Based Support Material

Abstract

The effect of sulfonic agents on the performance of solid acid catalysts in esterification reactions of long-chain fatty acids has been studied. Herein, sulfonated activated carbon with sulfanilic acid (SAC-SA) and sulfuric acid (SAC-SO4) as a sulfonic agent were prepared and used for esterification reaction to convert long-chain fatty acids into methyl esters within 5 h at 65°C. The obtained SAC-SA has a higher surface area than SAC-SO4 of 1301.981 and 1182.096 m2/g, respectively. When SAC-SO4 and SAC-SA catalysts were applied to the esterification reaction, the FAME product conversion results were 74.47 and 46.98 %, respectively. The physical property of SAC-SO4 has more macropores size distribution than mesopores size based on the BJH method. Large pore size on the catalyst will support the diffusion of large organic molecules to improve catalytic ability. The pore size determines the performance of solid acid catalysts, especially in long-chain fatty acid reactants for biodiesel production.