Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica from Beach Sand by Sol-Gel Method as a Ni Supported Catalyst for Hydrocracking of Waste Cooking Oil

Abstract

Mesoporous silica (MS) supported by nickel was synthesized from Parangtritis beach sand and assessed for its activity and selectivity as catalysts in hydrocracking waste cooking oil into biofuel. The synthesis of MS was done by the sol-gel method. Ni/MS catalysts using Ni weight variations of 1, 5, and 10 wt.% were denoted as Ni/MS1, Ni/MS5, and Ni/MS10 and were compared to standard mesoporous silica (Ni/SBA-15). The catalysts were characterized using FTIR, XRD analysis, N2 gas sorption analysis, SEM-EDX, and TEM. Catalyst Ni/MS1, Ni/MS5, Ni/MS10, and Ni/SBA-15 have specific surface areas of 130.5, 195.9, 203.9, and 381.2 m2/g and the average pores of 12.30, 9.80, 11.12, and 8.70 nm, respectively. The hydrocracking was run four times to evaluate the catalyst reusability. The hydrocracking WCO has 95.8, 82.4, and 85.2%, respectively. While Liquid fractions produced were 38.8, 43.2, and 50.2 wt.%, each of which contains gasoline of 37.09, 39.76, and 44.27 wt.%, Ni/MS10 has the highest liquid products of 50.2 wt.% and was selective to gasoline fractions up to 44.27%. Therefore, the catalyst synthesized from Parangtritis beach sand is selective for gasoline-fraction hydrocarbon and has hydrocracking activity up to 4 runnings.

Beach Sand-derived Mesoporous Silica by Hydrothermal Process for Hydrocracking Waste Coconut Oil to Biofuel

“…To evaluate the degree of crystallinity in the mesoporous silica, an X-ray diffraction (XRD) The reactant conversion was determined gravimetrically by using calculation in the equation below [2]:…”

“…Because biofuels are renewable and emit fewer emissions when burned, they have the environmental benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and . dependency on fossil fuels [2]. From an economic standpoint, it can lower waste disposal costs and open new revenue sources for businesses producing waste coconut oil.…”

Temperature-Driven Structural Evolution during Preparation of MCM−41 Mesoporous Silica

“…Since the seminal discovery of MCM−41 (the 41st in Mobil Composition of Matter) type mesoporous silica by Kresge and colleagues [1] from Mobil Oil Corporation in 1992, this material has captivated the materials science and chemical engineering communities due to its distinctive pore architecture, extensive surface area, adjustable pore diameters, and rich surface hydroxyl groups. Researchers have employed synthesis methods such as sol-gel [2,3], hydrothermal [4], and microwave-assisted [5] techniques to extensively explore various factors affecting the pore size, wall stability, and surface properties of MCM−41 materials [6][7][8][9]. By adjusting synthesis conditions, researchers have successfully tailored the mesoporous structure and chemical properties of MCM−41, unlocking its vast potential in diverse fields like adsorption [10,11], catalysis [12][13][14][15], drug delivery [16], and environmental remediation [17].…”

Characteristic and Performance of Ni, Pt, and Pd Monometal and Ni-Pd Bimetal onto KOH Activated Carbon for Hydrotreatment of Castor Oil

“…The Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects a substantial 71% increase in fuel consumption worldwide from 2000 to 2030, highlighting the urgent need for alternative energy sources to replace fossil fuels [3][4]. Hydrotreated non-edible vegetable oils hold significant potential as renewable energy sources that can effectively replace fossil fuels, given their abundant triglyceride content that can be converted into hydrocarbons [5][6][7][8][9][10]. Unlike FAME biofuels, the hydrocarbons produced through this process closely resemble those derived from fossil fuels, making the hydrotreatment of vegetable oils highly promising for contemporary vehicular applications [11][12][13].…”