TY - JOUR AB - The synthesis and application of a hybrid catalyst for the esterification of free fatty acids (FFA) in Jatropha oil is reported. Three catalysts, namely silica sulfuric acid, silica supported boron trifluoride and a combination of the two in the weight ratio of 1:1, the hybrid catalyst, were investigated. Jatropha oil samples with a wide range of FFA values i.e. 6.64 to 45.64% were prepared and utilized for the experimental work. This study revealed that silica sulfuric acid and silica supported boron trifluoride were not very effective when used independently. However, a strong synergistic effect was noted in the catalytic activity of the hybrid catalyst which reduced the FFA value from 45.64 to 0.903% with a conversion efficiency of 98%. Reusability of the catalyst was also tested and the results were promising in up to three cycles of use when used with lower amounts of FFA (6.64%) in the oil. Under the influence of the catalyst, the reaction was found to follow first order kinetics. Activation energy was calculated to be 45.42 KJ.mol(-1) for 2 wt.% of hybrid catalyst. The products were analyzed by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic techniques and the results are reported. AD - Univ Teknol PETRONAS, Dept Chem Engn, Bandar Seri Iskandar 31750, Perak, Malaysia AN - WOS:000384774100010 AU - Mushtaq, M. AU - Tan, I. M. AU - Sagir, M. AU - Tahir, M. S. AU - Pervaiz, M. DA - Jul-Sep DO - ARTN e150 IS - 3 J2 - Grasas Aceites KW - biodiesel LA - English N1 - Dy0ga PY - 2016 SN - 0017-3495 ST - A novel hybrid catalyst for the esterification of high FFA in Jatropha oil for biodiesel production T2 - Grasas Y Aceites TI - A novel hybrid catalyst for the esterification of high FFA in Jatropha oil for biodiesel production UR - ://WOS:000384774100010 VL - 67 ID - 12890 ER -