Magnesium stabilized 12-tungstophosphoric acid impregnated SBA-15 for selective monolaurin production

• Published in: South African journal of chemical engineering Vol. 41; pp. 51 - 64
• Main Authors: Ooi, Shu Ying, Hoo, Peng Yong, Abdullah, Ahmad Zuhairi, Rahim, Siti Kartini Enche Ab, Teoh, Yi Peng, Shuit, Siew Hoong, Ng, Qi Hwa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.07.2022; Sabinet Online; Elsevier
• Subjects: 12-tungstophosphoric acid; Adsorption; Analysis; Catalysts; Characterization; Magnesium bridging; Mesoporous SBA-15; Parameter study; Reusability; Saturated fatty acids; Tungsten compounds; Malaysia; Characterization; Parameter study; Mesoporous SBA-15; 12-tungstophosphoric acid; Reusability; Magnesium bridging
• ISSN: 1026-9185
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sajce.2022.05.002

•Substantially stabilized superacid incorporated SBA-15 via magnesium bridging.•Proven reusability of synthesized catalyst with sustained catalytic performance.•Highly selective to mono- and di-glycerides in glycerolysis of lauric acid.•Preserved SBA-15 mesopores and Keggin HPW after subsequent impregnation.•Elucidation of the effect of significant parameter onto the catalyzed reaction. The wetness incipient method was used for the incorporation of Keggin structured 12-tungstophophoric acid (HPW) onto the magnesium modified SBA-15. All the synthesized catalysts were then characterized using FTIR, XRD, TEM, NH3-TPD, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis. The results obtained confirmed the successful synthesis of SBA-15 and the anchoring of HPW on the MgSBA-15. Based on the experimental findings, it was found that catalyst loaded with 30 wt.% HPW had the highest lauric acid conversion (49.82%) and monolaurin yield (29.20%) as compared to other loadings. By using 30 wt.% HPW/MgSBA-15, the highest lauric acid conversion (78.31%) and monolaurin yield (55.35%) was achieved at reaction conditions of 160 ℃, 3 wt.% catalyst loading, and 4:1 glycerol/lauric acid ratio after 6 h of reaction time. Lastly, the catalyst was highly stable as it can be reused up to two times under identical process parameters without significant change in lauric acid conversion (77%). Such results revealed the strong interaction between the HPW and its support through the magnesium bridge.