One-pot synthesis of calcium-incorporated MCM-41 as a solid base catalyst for transesterification of palm olein

Direct generation of basic sites on mesoporous silica MCM-41 through calcium incorporation was achieved via a one-pot synthesis. The effect of calcium salt precursors was addressed in terms of structure, morphology, and basic property. The catalysts were evaluated for potential application in transesterification of palm olein with methanol to produce biodiesel. Among all of the catalysts tested in this study, the most efficient calcium-incorporated MCM-41 was derived from CaO precursor, affording over 90 wt.% of fatty acid methyl ester after 3 h of reaction at 200 °C.

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► Calcium-incorporated MCM-41 catalysts were prepared via a one-pot synthesis.
► The catalysts possess ordered mesopores with high surface area.
► The basicity of the catalysts was higher than that of siliceous MCM-41.
► The Ca/MCM-41 catalysts were active for transesterification of vegetable oil.
► The catalysts yielded over 90% biodiesel product.