Utilization of Silica from Indonesian Solid Wastes as Catalyst Materials

Abstract

Synthesizing materials can be attempted by utilizing alternative sources such as wastes or disposed/by-products of certain activities. In this article, exploration of silica from agricultural waste and from geothermal sludgefor production of silica catalysts, are presented. The first silica catalyst was synthesized from rice husk. The husk was initially heated until silica ashes could be formed. After immersion in acidic solution, impregnation with nickel and molybdenum were conducted to introduce active metal of nickel (Ni) and molybdenum (Mo) in the support structure. The catalyst formed, Ni-Mo/SiO2 was applied to convert crude palm oil into biofuels. The other silica catalyst was obtained from geothermal sludge. After washing, the catalyst was soaked in sulphuric acid solution to form acidic silica solid catalyst. The catalyst was applied in hydrolysis of seaweed-industry solid waste to produce glucose. The catalyst was relatively successful to facilitate 19-20% glucose yield, or up to 21% glucose selectivity from waste material.