KF/MMT solid base catalyst was prepared by impregnation method using montmorillonite (MMT) as carrier, and it was applied in transesterification of soybean oil and methanol to prepare biodiesel. The KF/MMT catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Hammett indicator, nitrogen physisorption-desorption and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); the effects of reaction conditions on biodiesel yield were also investigated. The results indicated that the KF interacted with MMT and formed Al—O—K active center on the catalyst surface. The biodiesel yield of 97.4% was obtained when molar ratio of methanol to soybean oil was 12∶1, catalyst dosage was 4%, reaction temperature was 65℃ and reaction time was 2.5 h. |