Transesterification catalyzed by ionic liquids on superhydrophobic mesoporous polymers: heterogeneous catalysts that are faster than homogeneous catalysts

J Am Chem Soc. 2012 Oct 17;134(41):16948-50. doi: 10.1021/ja307455w. Epub 2012 Sep 28.

Abstract

Homogeneous catalysts usually show higher catalytic activities than heterogeneous catalysts because of their high dispersion of catalytically active sites. We demonstrate here that heterogeneous catalysts of ionic liquids functionalized on superhydrophobic mesoporous polymers exhibit much higher activities in transesterification to form biodiesel than homogeneous catalysts of the ionic liquids themselves. This phenomenon is strongly related to the unique features of high enrichment and good miscibility of the superhydrophobic mesoporous polymers for the reactants. These features should allow the design and development of a wide variety of catalysts for the conversion of organic compounds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Catalytic Domain
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Ionic Liquids / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Porosity
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Ionic Liquids
  • Polymers