Biomass derivative valorization using nano core-shell magnetic materials based on keggin-heteropolyacids: Levulinic acid esterification kinetic study with n-butanol

Abstract

Magnetic materials based on Keggin heteropolyacids immobilized on mesoporous silica-coated magnetite particles with a core-shell structure were synthesized. The activity of the catalyst was studied in the esterification reaction of levulinic acid with n-butanol, and its kinetics was studied by the systematic variation of several reaction parameters, such as stirring speed, catalyst loading, molar ratio of reactants, and temperature. It was also seen that the reaction was free from any external mass transfer as well as intraparticle diffusion limitations and was intrinsically kinetically controlled. A second-order kinetic equation was found to be consistent with the experimental data. Also, an experimental activation energy of 17 kcal/mol was found. A solvent-free condition for this reaction has also added the green chemistry perception to the reaction. In addition, the resulting catalyst can be used repeatedly without significant decrease in activity.