Synthesis of different heteropoly acid catalysts for transesterification of bio-derived glycerol to produce oxygenated fuel additive for energy utilization

Biofuel additive catalytic activity was tested by supported heteropoly acid at different composition on bentonite, mobil composition of matter no. 41 (MCM-41) materials. It has been found that catalyst activity is affected by each dodecatungsto-phosphoric acid (DTP) concentration and types of support. Maximum selectivity towards di- and triacetin was observed with increasing concentration of DTP from 10 to 60% with MCM-41 and BNT support. Prepared catalyst with 60% DTP/BNT was showed maximum selectivity towards di- and triacetin about 94%. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, and TGA/DTA analysis. The various trials on 1% and 2% mixture of the major product (di- + triacetin) additive obtained from esterification of glycerol biomass with acetic acid via 60% DTP/BNT catalyst to check characteristics of biofuels additive. The product has 2% (di- + triacetin) blend showed excellent performance as compared with conventional diesel biofuel additives. Graphical abstract