Efficient transesterification over two-dimensional zeolites for sustainable biodiesel production

Basic zeolites have shown great potential as efficient catalysts for biodiesel production in the transesterification reactions. However, conventional three-dimensional(3 D) basic zeolites generally suffer from limited base sites and severe mass-transfer restriction, thereby suppressing their catalytic activity. Herein, 2 D basic zeolites with large external surface areas, hierarchical characteristics, and abundant accessible and stable base sites are prepared by expansion, delamination and subsequent solid-state ion-exchange(SSIE) approach. The facile SSIE method provides more advantages in stabilizing and dispersing high concentration of strong basic sites than the conventional liquid-phase ion-exchange(LIE)approach. Due to the excellent mass transportation and stable basic sites, the 2 D Na/ITQ-2 prepared by the SSIE approach shows remarkably enhanced activity and recyclability in the transesterification of triglycerides to produce biodiesel, compared to 3 D zeolites and other reported basic zeolites. This work will open the boulevard to the rational design of 2 D basic catalysts and expand the potential application of 2 D zeolites to biodiesel production and other industrial reactions involving bulky molecules.