Synthesis of Sustainable Acid Biochar Catalysts Derived from Waste Biomass for Esterification of Glycerol

Abstract

African dream herb shells were subjected to carbonization in N2 atmosphere at various temperatures to synthesis of sustainable biochar. This biochar was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, FE‐SEM, FT‐IR, Laser Raman, Thermo gravimetric analysis, CHNS‐analysis, N2‐adsorption‐desorption and Temperature programmed desorption of ammonia (TPD‐NH3). These biochar carbon catalysts were employed as catalysts for the esterification of glycerol with acetic acid without any modifications. The production of biochar with more strong acidic sites resulted from carbonization at 500 °C. Amorphous carbon that has experienced high‐temperature carbonization is made up of sheets of aromatic carbon that are oriented somewhat randomly. The biochar is produced at 500 °C had the highest rate of glycerol esterification with strong acidic sites of carbon. Based on the properties of the biochar as determined by several characterization techniques, the catalytic activity of the materials was explained. This biochar catalyst exhibited highly stable up to five times.