Comparative Study on the Catalytic Performance of a 13X Zeolite and its Dealuminated Derivative for Biodiesel Production

Natural kaolin clay was used to successfully prepare 13X zeolite catalysts, which were modified by dealumination with citric acid. Acid leaching eliminates impurities and aluminum, improves the Si/Al ratio of framework. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns both original zeolites same, indicating that crystalline frameworks not destroyed during process. fluorescence data dealuminated showed an improved ratio. Also, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for characterization catalysts. catalytic performance catalysts tested in esterification reaction oleic acid a batch reactor. A higher conversion obtained using zeolite. resulting experimental from reactions fitted heterogeneous Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson (LHHW) kinetic model determine rates reaction. results kinetics increase rate velocity distinct decrease activation energy when zeolite, employing catalyst will give over shorter time through less sensitivity temperature. Copyright © 2021 Authors, Published BCREC Group. This is open access article under CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).