Synthesis of biolubricants using sulfated zirconia catalysts

Authors: Jinho Oh, Sungeun Yang, Chanyeon Kim, Inchang Choi, Jae Hyun Kim, Hyunjoo Lee

Abstract:
Synthesis of biomass-derived lubricants via esterification,transesterification, and simultaneous reactions of both was studied by using sulfated zirconia catalysts. Soybean oil or free fatty acids derived from soybean oil were used as a biomass-derived resource for the synthesis of biolubricants. Long chain alcohols (carbon number ≥ 8) or neo-polyols (e.g., 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylol propane, pentaerythritol) were used as co-reactants. The structure of the alcohol significantly affected the conversion and yield for the esterification with oleic acid. The esters produced showed kinematic viscosity and viscosity index comparable to commercial lubricants. Various sulfated zirconia catalysts were prepared and were characterized by X-ray diffraction, NH₃ temperature-programmed desorption, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller isotherm, and tested for esterification. The type of zirconium precursor demonstrated a significant effect on the physical property of the catalyst and its catalytic activity. Interestingly, esters with fully saturated hydrocarbon chains were synthesized from unsaturated free fatty acids regardless of the absence of hydrogen gas. The sulfated zirconia could be recycled for up to five repeated reactions without any degradation. The effects of reaction time and temperature were also investigated.

Keywords:
Biomass
Biolubricants
Transesterification
Esterification
Sulfated zirconia

Published in: Applied catalysis A: General  (Volume 455, Pages 1-266, 30 March 2013)

Publisher: Elsevier

ISSN Information: 0926-860X

Synthesis of biolubricants using sulfated zirconia catalysts

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