Ionothermal Crystallization of SAPO-11 using novel pyridinium ionic liquid and its catalytic activity in esterification of levulinic acid into ethyl levulinate

• Main Authors: Mohammad, Al Issa Jehad Moh'dFathi, Saminathan, Vinithaa, El-Bahy, Zeinhom M., Michelin, Laure, Ling, Tau Chuan, Ng, Eng-Poh
• Format: Article
• Published: MDPI 2023
• Subjects: Q Science (General); QD Chemistry
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/38718/

A study using a novel pyridinium ionic liquid, namely 1-propylpyridinium bromide (PPy]Br), to crystallize SAPO-11 under ionothermal conditions is reported. By carefully following the crystallization process, SAPO-11 can readily be crystallized in the presence of PPy]Br, which serves as a synthesis solvent and structure-directing agent, at 150 degrees C after 133 h of heating. The study also focuses on manipulating other synthesis parameters (e.g., crystallization temperature, phosphorous content, silicon amount and PPy]Br concentration) and investigating their respective effects on the formation of SAPO-11. The crystallized SAPO-11 has an acidic nature and a high surface area. Under conductive instant heating conditions, the SAPO-11 catalyst is very active in the conversion of levulinic acid into ethyl levulinate; 93.4% conversion and 100% selectivity of ethyl levulinate are recorded at 180 degrees C after 30 min of reaction. This result is comparable to or even better than those of conventional homogeneous catalysts.