3.3. Catalytic Performance
In this work, the main target is the preparation of heterogenized
catalysts by electrostatic immobilization of ionic liquids onto
the SBA-15. The obtained catalysts have the advantages of both
homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts; where the immobilized ionic
liquids move loosely in the reaction medium and become easily accessible
for the reactants. The esterification of oleic OA with TMP for
bio-lubricant production was employed to measure the catalytic activity.
In general, no significant difference in textural characteristics or
content of ionic liquids of the two catalysts can be observed. The
difference is only in the acidity strength of the tow catalytic systems
which originated from the different inductive effects of the
substituents on the imidazolium molecular cation.