A catalytic test of Mn(II) and Ni(II) grafted on modified mesoporous silica in transesterification of vegetable oil

Admi*, Vanella Indah Pratiwi,

Abstract

The catalysts Mn(II) and Ni(II) which grafted on mesoporous silica has been tested in the transesterfication of vegetable oil. Mesoporous silica was modified with bor trifluoride to obtain stronger electrostatic interaction between the metal and the support. As such, the amount of metal that can be loaded on the modified silica to metal Mn and Ni respectively 32 and 29%. Both types of catalysts tested in transesterification of vegetable oil with a mass ratio of catalyst : oil is 5 : 95. The total amount of the methyl ester product for both catalysts tested were ~13% for catalyst Mn (II) and ~5% for Ni (II) catalyst and still need to be examined at their optimum condition.