Catalytic Performance and Characterization of Promoted K-La/ZSM-5 Nanocatalyst for Biodiesel Production

The promoted K-La nanocatalysts supported on ZSM-5 zeolite were prepared via wetness impregnation method and tested for biodiesel production from soybean oil. The effects of different weight percentage of La, loading of K as a promoter and calcination conditions on structure and activity of catalyst were investigated. Results showed that the supported catalyst containing 7wt.% of La was promoted with 1wt.% of K is an optimal catalyst for biodiesel production. The best operational conditions were the CH3OH/oil=12/1 molar ratio at 60˚C with mechanical stirring 500 rpm for 3 h. The biodiesel yield reached 90% under the optimal operational conditions. It was found that K-La/ZSM-5 nanocatalyst have high basic sites and catalytic activity for biodiesel production. Characterization of catalysts was carried out by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform-InfraRed(FT-IR) spectroscopy and N2 adsorption-desorption measurements methods.