Solid base catalysts derived from Ca-Al-X (X = F-, Cl- and Br-) layered double hydroxides for methanolysis of propylene carbonate

Abstract

The Ca-Al and Ca-Al-X (X = F-, Cl- and Br-) catalysts were prepared via thermal decomposition of Ca-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs), and tested for methanolysis of propylene carbonate (PC) to produce dimethyl carbonate (DMC). The catalytic performance of these catalysts increased in the order of Ca-Al-Br- < Ca-Al < Ca-Al-Cl- < Ca-Al-F-, which was consistent with the strong basicity of these materials. The recyclability test results showed that the addition of Al and halogens (F-, Cl- and Br-) not only stabilized the CaO but also improved the recyclability of the catalysts. Particularly, the Ca-Al-F- catalyst exerted the highest stability after 10 recycles. These catalysts have an important value for the exploitation of DMC synthesis by transesterification of PC with methanol.