Performance of Ba-containing catalysts in the transesterification reaction of rapeseed oil with methanol under flow conditions

Long-term performance of two barium-containing catalysts in the transesterification was studied in the flow fixed bed reactor during 50–60 h at the temperature of 200 (228) °C, the pressure of 20 (30) atm and the liquid hourly space velocity of 0.8–2 h− 1. The performance of the Ba0.04La1.96O3 catalyst is sustained at very high level during 50 h and then declines sharply. The BaAl12O19 catalyst exhibits lower performance but higher stability. The change of the phase or surface composition of the catalysts monitored by X-ray diffraction or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are the cause of the diminution of the performance.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Ba–Al–O, Ba–La–O catalysts synthesized by precipitation and subsequent calcination. ► Catalysts for rapeseed oil transesterification with methanol in flow fixed bed reactor. ► Ba–La–O is highly active but not stable; Ba–Al–O is less active but more stable. ► Deactivation of Ba–La–O is due to change of phase composition. ► Deactivation of Ba–Al–O is due to coke formation and depletion of catalyst with Ba.