Biodiesel production catalyzed by strontium-based mixed oxides

The Sr-Mg mixed oxides were developed for biodiesel production from transesterification of refined palm olein and methanol. The strong base site was newly formed in Sr-Mg catalysts via partial solid state reaction induced by thermal treatment at 600 °C. The new base site together with the original base site from SrO synergistically catalyzed transesterification reaction at mild conditions. Biodiesel containing 96% methyl esters was obtained at the reaction conditions of 75 min, 60 °C, 0.1 MPa, 3 wt.% catalyst loading, and low methanol to oil ratio of 6:1. The improved surface areas and porosity of the Sr-Mg catalyst were also achieved, when compared with the unsupported SrO.