Preparation and characterization of Kenaf derived heterogeneous catalyst for esterification reaction

Abstract

A Kenaf fibers supported transition metal oxide solid acid catalyst (SAC) was prepared by wet impregnation method followed by calcination at 700°C. The characterizations of catalyst were studied by various methods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDX) showed that tungsten oxide particle was synthesized and well dispersed on the surface of fibers. A catalytic activity with 68% free fatty acid (FFA) conversion was achieved in esterification reaction. The catalyst can be easily separated from the mixture and reused for few cycles. This finding proved that Kenaf fibers derived SAC has the ability to esterify free fatty acid prior to transesterification reaction to produce biodiesel. © 2016 ACM.