The synthesis of biodiesel using copper based metal-organic framework as a catalyst

• Published in: Journal of environmental chemical engineering 2019-08, Vol.7 (4), p.103277, Article 103277
• Main Authors: Pangestu, Tresia, Kurniawan, Yosafat, Soetaredjo, Felycia Edi, Santoso, Shella Permatasari, Irawaty, Wenny, Yuliana, Maria, Hartono, Sandy Budi, Ismadji, Suryadi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodiesel; Copper complex; Metal-organic framework; Transesterification; Tricarboxylic acid; Trimesic acid
• ISSN: 2213-3437
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2019.103277

[Display omitted] The metal-organic framework (MOF) used as a heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production has been produced from the coordination of benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (BTc) and divalent copper (Cu). A straightforward solvothermal method with ethanol-water solvent was employed for the production of MOF, and rod-like CuBTc-MOF particles with a unit cell length of 37.12 nm were obtained. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) sorption-isotherm characterization revealed that CuBTc holds a surface area of 1085.72 m2/g and a total pore volume of 1.68 cm3/g. The high thermal stability of CuBTc, with a degradation temperature of 303 °C, was confirmed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Other characterizations were also carried out to characterize the CuBTc. Specifically, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The produced CuBTc-MOF is applied to produce biodiesel from palm oil. The composition in biodiesel was quantified using gas chromatography (GC) analysis. The optimal FAME yield in biodiesel of 91% was obtained from transesterification using 0.04 g CuBTc and methanol to oil volume ratio of 5:1. Recycled CuBTc- MOF was also capable of producing biodiesel with high FAME yield, which is 86%. The obtained result signifies the potential catalytic activity of CuBTc-MOF in the production of biodiesel.