NH4F Modified Al-SBA-15 Materials for Esterification of Valeric Acid to Alkyl Valerates

Abstract

Al-SBA-15 materials were functionalized by ball milling with several niobium loadings (0.25–1 wt.%) and/or with several F- loadings, using NH4F as a precursor. The catalysts synthesized in this study were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 porosimetry, and diffuse reflection infrared spectroscopy (DRIFT) among others. The prepared materials shown, form moderate to high catalytic activities in the microwave-assisted transformation of valeric acid to ethyl valerate via esterification. The incorporation of fluoride anions either into Al-SBA-15 or on Nb1%/Al-SBA-15 led to a linear increase in valeric acid conversion with the F− content. Thus, F− modified mesoporous aluminosilicates efficiently catalyze the transformation of valeric acid into alkyl valerate esters as renewable fuels.