This work aims to
compare physicochemical properties and catalytic
performance of potassium supported on zeolite NaX and NaY (K/NaX and
K/NaY, respectively) prepared by ultrasound-assisted impregnation
from potassium acetate buffer precursor. Calcination converts the
potassium precursor to carbonate, which occupies the zeolite cavities
and disperses on the external surface. Both calcined samples show
a decrease in zeolite phases, BET surface areas, and pore volumes.
With the smaller changes, K/NaX is more stable than K/NaY. Moreover,
K/NaX has higher basicity than K/NaY and is more active in the decomposition
of 2-methylbut-3-yn-2-ol (MBOH), producing dominant products from
basic sites. Both K/NaX and K/NaY are active in the transesterification
of palm oil, producing more than 94% of the biodiesel yields in the
first run. However, the yields drop in the second run because of the
leaching of potassium species into glycerol and biodiesel products.
The spent K/NaX has a similar phase to the fresh one, whereas the
spent K/NaY shows more structure collapse. With better structural
stability, less potassium leaching, and less decline in biodiesel
yields in the second run, K/NaX is a better catalyst than K/NaY.