Direct Synthesis of the Ce-SBA-15 Catalyst Doped with MoO3 for Application in the Transesterification Reaction of Soybean Oil

Objective: Synthesize and characterize the heterogeneous catalyst MoO₃/Ce-SBA-15, to be applied in the transesterification reaction of soybean oil. Theoretical Framework: The molecular sieve SBA-15 is a mesoporous silica used as a support for the dispersion of active metals. Modification with cerium (Ce) enhances the textural properties, while doping with molybdenum oxide (MoO₃) increases the catalytic activity. This catalyst is applied in transesterification for the production of biodiesel, a renewable and efficient biofuel to replace fossil diesel. Method: Ammonium cerium nitrate was introduced along with the silica source in the synthesis gel, evaluating different Si/Ce molar ratios (10, 20). The obtained material was doped with MoO3 using the pore saturation method and evaluated in the transesterification reaction at different temperatures. Results and Discussion: Characterization analyses indicated that the longer crystallization time (48h) and the introduction of Ce into the structure improved the crystalline and textural properties of SBA-15. The presence of MoO₃ in its orthorhombic phase was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The maximum yield of methyl esters was 86.56% at 150°C using the 15MoO3/10Ce-SBA-15 catalyst. Research Implications: This research developed a new catalyst efficient in biodiesel production, contributing to the field of catalysis. Promoting advances in renewable energy and sustainability. Originality/Value: This study reports the influence of Ce as a structural promoter in the synthesis of a new catalyst (MoO3/Ce-SBA-15) to be applied in the transesterification reaction for biodiesel production.