MgAlLi Mixed Oxides Derived from Hydrotalcite for Catalytic Transesterification

MgAl hydrotalcite was synthesized and used as support for Li impregnation. MgAlLi oxides were obtained from heat treatment of the Li/MgAl hydrotalcite. These materials were characterized and evaluated as catalysts for model transesterification reactions. MgAl showed negligible activity under mild reaction conditions (50 °C and 0.5 h) whereas Li incorporation greatly increased the activity. The activities were correlated to their basicity determined by TPD of CO 2 . Reuse tests showed catalyst deactivation after the third cycle, probably due to lithium leaching. However, the contribution to a homogeneous reaction has been dismissed. MgAlLi revealed to be a promising catalysts for transesterification reaction and thus for biodiesel production. Graphical Abstract