Abstract To reveal the catalytic potential of abandoned naturally occurring material, we synthesized titania-termite hill composite (Ti-THC) via an incipient wetness impregnation route, characterized by various techniques and tested as a catalyst for transesterification of waste frying oil (WFO). The reusability of the prepared catalyst was also studied to evaluate its stability. The effects of reaction process parameters, such as temperature, time, catalyst loading and methanol/WFO molar ratio on fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield, were investigated using a central composite design approach. SEM result revealed pores formation on the catalyst surface, while XRD and EDX analyses confirmed successful insertion of titania into the aluminosilicate layer of the termite hill. The maximum FAME yield of 90.78% was obtained at optimum experimental conditions of 71.16 °C reaction temperature, 2.12 h reaction time, 1.03 wt.% catalyst loading and 9.96:1 methanol/WFO molar ratio. The catalyst still maintained its better stability after being reused for three reaction cycles.

中文翻译：

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二氧化钛-白蚁山复合材料作为多相催化剂：制备、表征和在废煎炸油酯交换中的性能

摘要 为了揭示废弃天然存在材料的催化潜力，我们通过初湿浸渍路线合成了二氧化钛-白蚁丘复合材料 (Ti-THC)，采用各种技术表征，并作为废煎炸油 (WFO) 酯交换的催化剂进行了测试。还研究了制备的催化剂的可重复使用性以评估其稳定性。使用中心复合设计方法研究了反应工艺参数，如温度、时间、催化剂负载和甲醇/WFO 摩尔比对脂肪酸甲酯 (FAME) 产率的影响。SEM 结果显示在催化剂表面形成孔，而 XRD 和 EDX 分析证实二氧化钛成功插入白蚁丘的铝硅酸盐层。最大 FAME 产量为 90。在 71.16 °C 反应温度、2.12 h 反应时间、1.03 wt.% 催化剂负载和 9.96:1 甲醇/WFO 摩尔比的最佳实验条件下获得 78%。该催化剂在重复使用三个反应循环后仍保持较好的稳定性。