Biomass-based sulfonic-functionalized carbon solid acid for esterification of acetic acid

Abstract

Sulfonic-functionalized carbon material derived from the incomplete carbonization of mungbean vermicelli was reported here as a catalyst for esterification of acetic acid. The catalyst with the highest activity (S BET = 18.1 m 2 /g and acid site density of 1.53 mmol H + /g cat ) was obtained by carbonization at 573 K and sulfonation at 373 K due to a feasible attachment of more - SO 3 H groups to flexible carbon sheets compared to the other synthesized solids. Approximate 64% yield of methyl acetate was achieved over (2:1) molar ratio of methanol to acetic acid with 3 wt% of catalyst. From the economic outlook, this environmentally benign C-SO 3 H catalyst could be a promising candidate for the esterification of high free fatty acid feedstocks reducing the production cost of biodiesel. © (2012) Trans Tech Publications.