Microstructure and morphology of mechanically sulfated acid catalysts of α-Al2O3

This work reports the evaluation of microstructure, morphology, and catalytic behavior α-Al2O3 synthesized via combustion method for esterification reaction oleic acid in soybean oil with ethanol to produce biodiesel. The was evaluated 2 wt% catalyst at 160 °C 3 h when molar ratio fatty acid:ethanol 1:12. To enhance performance α-Al2O3, its sulfation done by a different using mechanical milling. microcatalysts were characterized X-ray diffraction, Fourie transform infrared spectroscopy, granulometric analysis, scanning electron microscopy. Results showed as major phase, presence SO4 2- groups, contribution process morphology reduction agglomerates, particle size from 18.98 15.30 mm. yield ester enhanced 80% (α-Al2O3 catalyst) 93% (SO4 2-/α-Al2O3 catalyst), which milling fast synthesis highly efficient