SÍNTESIS Y CARACTERIZACIÓN DE CATALIZADORES HPW/AlSBA-15, Y SU EVALUACIÓN EN LA REACCIÓN DE ESTERIFICACIÓN DEL ÁCIDO BENZOICO CON METANOL

Abstract

The synthesis and characterization of catalysts based on tungsten heteropolyacids (HPW) supported on AlSBA-15 materials and further evaluation as catalysts in the esterification reaction of benzoic acid with methanol were carried out. AlSBA-15 materials with low mineral acid (HCl) content were synthesized; ordered mesoporous materials with good textural characteristics were obtained. The heteropolyacids incorporation by impregnation, led to a decrease in the specific area and micropores volume of the silica support, associated with the partial occupation of this volume by the HPW. The heteropolyacid catalytic activity in esterification reaction, was higher when the impregnated support contains a lower amount of aluminum (Si/Al 60) and fewer load of HPW (10%), demonstrating that the dispersion of heteropolyacids and not just the amount, is an important factor to consider in the design of such catalysts.