Preparation of La2O3/ZrO2 Complex Oxides by a Templating Route for Synthesis of Biodiesel from Jatropha Oil

A series of La2O3/ZrO2 solid base catalysts has been prepared via templated pathway. The solid base catalysts were characterized by BET, XRD, XPS, and SEM. Compared with samples prepared by impregnation and co-precipitation method, the as-prepared mixed oxides catalysts replicated the biomorphic of birch and possessed high specific surface area, low grain size and high pore volume. The transesterification of jatropha oil with methanol was studied by using these mixed oxides catalysts. Alkaline and catalytic performance are optimal when the mass ratio of La2O3 is 10%. Under the condition of alcohol/oil molar ratio 72∶1, catalyst/oil mass ratio 8%, reaction temperature 373 K and reaction time 6 h, jatropha oil conversion reaches 93.6%. This optimal catalyst exhibits significant degree of acid and water resistance. At the same reaction conditions, biodiesel production can still remain about 83% after three times recycle of the catalysis.