Preparation of Nano Particles Sulfated Titania Catalyst Aerogel for Synthesis of Glycerol Mono Oleate (Gmo)

Catalysts nanoparticle sulfated titania aerogel have been prepared through one-step synthesis by the sol-gel method using sulfuric acid as catalyst followed by the one-step CO2 supercritical extraction. The catalysts were tested in reaction of oleic acid with glycerol to produce glycerol mono oleate (GMO). Thermal evolution of the gels was evaluated by TGA-DTA, N2 adsorption, TEM and XRD, and the IR absorption spectra measurements were made to discuss the structure of sulfated titania. The anatase phase is stable after calcination at temperatures up to 700oC, and the specific surface area, total pore volume and average pore diameter of anatase phase do not change significantly after calcination at 600oC. Thermally stable and highly acidic sulfated titania aerogel is attractive as catalyst. The aerogels calcined at 500, 700 and 750oC have similar activities for synthesis of glycerol mono oleate surfactant. However, the activity of the aerogel calcined at 600oC is low. At 500oC, a relatively large amount of sulfate remains, and the aerogel has high activity.