Preparation and characterization of a novel efficient catalyst based on molybdenum oxide supported over graphene oxide for biodiesel synthesis

In this study, a new catalyst for heterogeneous acid based on molybdenum oxide (MoO3) supported over gra-phene oxide (GO) was synthesized and applied in simultaneous esterification-transesterification reactions using waste cooking oil (WCO) to obtain biodiesel. In the catalyst synthesis, the GO support was synthesized from graphite oxidation, followed by wet MoO3 impregnation. The MoO3/GO catalyst was characterized by Surface Acidity, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG/DTG), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersion X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The application of the catalyst in the conversion of WCO into biodiesel had as parameters reaction temperature (120.0-160.0 degrees C), reaction time (1.0-5.0 h), catalyst loading of (2.0-10.0%) and methanol:oil molar ratio of (25:1-45:1). The results of the catalytic tests showed the best condition of biodiesel synthesis was 140.0 degrees C reaction temperature, 5.0 h of reaction time, 6.0% catalyst loading and 35:1 methanol:oil molar ratio, leading to a biodiesel with ester content of 95.6%. The catalyst showed good recovery and excellent catalytic performance in the reuse study, producing biodiesel with ester content above 70.0% after 5 reaction cycles. Thus, this study shows a promising new catalyst of heterogeneous acid with high catalytic activity and applicability in the bio-diesel synthesis process.

Automated summary

A new catalyst for heterogeneous acid based on molybdenum oxide supported over graphene oxide was synthesized and applied in the synthesis of biodiesel from waste cooking oil. The catalyst showed the best performance at 140℃ reaction temperature, 5.0 h reaction time, 6.0% catalyst loading, and 35:1 methanol:oil molar ratio, leading to a biodiesel with ester content of 95.6%. The catalyst also exhibited good recovery and excellent catalytic performance in the reuse study, producing biodiesel with ester content above 70.0% after 5 reaction cycles.