SrAl sub(2)O sub(4) spinel phase as active phase of transesterification of rapeseed oil

The transesterification of rapeseed oil and methanol was investigated over binary oxide (SrO)(Al sub(2)O sub(3)) catalyst. Effect of the reaction conditions such as: methanol to oil molar ratio, reaction temperature, reaction time and catalyst loading level was extensively studied in this work. The most optimal process parameters have been reported. The physicochemical characteristics of binary oxide were analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET, SEM-EDS methods. The highest triglycerides (TG) conversion and methyl ester yields was obtained for (SrO)(Al sub(2)O sub(3)) calcined at 600[degrees]C after two hours conducting at 160[degrees]C (molar ratio Oil: methanol = 1:6, catalyst weight m = 1.95 g) and were equal 90.5 and 89%, respectively. It was proven that the SrAl sub(2)O sub(4) spinel structure is the active phase taking part in the process of conversion of TGs to biodiesel.