Evaluation of Catalyst Ni0.4Cu0.1Zn0.5Fe2O4 on Methyl Esterification of Free Fatty Acid Present in Cottonseed Oil

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the performance of the solid catalyst Ni0.4Cu0.1Zn0.5Fe2O4, synthesized by combustion reaction, over the methyl esterification reaction of the fatty acids present in cottonseed oil. The catalyst was characterized by XRD, FTIR pyridine absorption, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM. The reactions were conducted at 140 and 180°C with molar ratios of 1:3, 1:6 and 1:9, with 2% of catalyst and reaction time of 2 h. The XRD results showed that the single phase ferrite was obtained with surface area of 87 m2/g and with mesoporous characteristic. It was observed from the FTIR pyridine absorption only the presence of Lewis acid sites. The Raman spectra confirm the presence of the inverse spinel phase. The results indicated that at 180°C and molar ratio of 1:9, the conversion of free fatty acids was about 87%.