Catalysts derived from waste slag for transesterification

MgO-CaO/SiO2 solid catalysts derived from waste slag (WS) of metal magnesium plant were prepared. The catalytic performances were evaluated in the transesterification of rapeseed oil with methanol to biodiesel in a 500 mL three-necked reactor under atmospheric pressure. The basic strengh of the catalyst reached 22.0 measured by indicators accroding to Hammett scale. The results show that the MgO-CaO/SiO2 is an excellent catalyst for transesterification, and the conversion of rapeseed oil reach 98% under the optimum condition.