Catalysts play a crucial role in converting raw materials into valuable products in today's rapidly evolving world, where sustainability and efficiency are paramount. One such important chemical is oxalic acid, widely used in whitening, cleaning metal surfaces, and removing rust. As demand for efficient and environmentally friendly chemical production methods increases, innovative catalysts that improve this process could revolutionize the way oxalic acid is produced. The potential for advancement lies in the remarkable characteristics of mesoporous materials, which are designed for better selectivity and performance. By carefully engineering the structure and composition of these materials, scientists have made it possible to produce oxalic acid more efficiently, reducing waste and costs.
A study published in the journal Heliyon reveals that researchers Jasem Suliman Al Ebraheem, Professor Mohammad Nour Ahmad Alkhoder and Professor Reem Hani Tulaimat from Albaath University in Syria created and analyzed V-Mo-MCM-41 mesoporous nanocatalysts to improve the production of oxalic acid. This essential chemical, widely used in various industries, was obtained using these innovative molasses nanocatalysts.
The scientists used the direct hydrothermal method to synthesize these nanocatalysts. Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) served as the silica source, while cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) acted as a surfactant template to guide the formation. Techniques such as nitrogen gas adsorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) verified the mesoporous structure of the catalysts and showed how change the ratio of vanadium and molybdenum. affected surface area, pore size and pore volume.
The nanocatalysts demonstrated their high efficiency in the synthesis of oxalic acid, reaching a yield of 83% in one hour with a minimum amount of sulfuric acid. This was achieved using a response surface methodology (RSM), adjusting variables such as catalyst dosage, sulfuric acid, nitric acid and reaction time. This approach helped find the best conditions to maximize the production of oxalic acid while minimizing the use of sulfuric acid and reducing the reaction time.
Researcher Jasem Al Ebraheem emphasized that the research results were truly remarkable, as the composite nanocatalysts have demonstrated their exceptional ability to improve the reaction process by taking advantage of the synergistic effect of loading both vanadium and molybdenum on a single support. In addition, the use of design software in carrying out chemical experiments has been highlighted to achieve the highest reaction efficiency. This, in turn, opens new avenues for sustainable and economically viable industrial applications.
Professor Mohammad Alkhoder emphasized the importance of their results: “Our study shows the potential of V-Mo-MCM-41 nanocatalysts to significantly increase oxalic acid production, taking advantage of the unique properties of these mesoporous materials.”
Professor Reem Tulaimat highlighted the advantages of his method and said: “The method we developed not only maximizes the efficiency of oxalic acid production but also contributes to reducing hazardous waste as it requires lower quantities of sulfuric acid compared to traditional processes”.
These results are very promising for the chemical industry. The newly developed V-Mo-MCM-41 catalysts improve the efficiency of oxalic acid synthesis and use fewer resources. This work offers a promising direction for further exploration in catalyst design and optimization, contributing to sustainable and economically viable chemical production.
Magazine reference
Jasem Suliman Al Ebraheem, Mohammad Nour Ahmad Alkhoder, Reem Hani Tulaimat. “Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous nanocatalysts V – Mo-MCM-41: improving the efficiency in the synthesis of oxalic acid”, Heliyon (2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24652,
About the Author
Jasem Al EbraheemI have a bachelor's degree in Applied Chemistry from Al-Baath University in Homs. During my academic career I had the privilege of teaching in the laboratories of the Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry. Motivated by a deep interest in studying catalysts and their role in chemical reactions, I completed a Master's degree in Physical Chemistry, with a specialization in catalysts. This program provided me with advanced knowledge and research skills in areas such as catalyst synthesis, characterization techniques, and catalytic mechanisms. My thesis focused on the design and characterization of novel catalysts to improve the efficiency of specific chemical reactions. jasim.ibrahem90@gmail.com | https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1200-8869
Reem Tulaimat, Professor Reem Tulaimat holds a master's degree and a Ph.D. she in Physical Chemistry from the CLAUDE BERNARD LYON University of France in 1992. Her specialization was in kinetics and catalysis. She served as an assistant professor in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 1999 to 2004. From 2005 to 2024, she held the position of assistant professor at Al-Baath University. She has published research articles in Applied Catalysis A: General Journal, Journal of non-crystallin solids, and Reaction Kinetics and Catalysis Letters. She has also supervised numerous graduate students in the field of catalysis and photocatalysis. Tulaimatreem@gmail.com | https://orcid.org/0009 -0004 -0311 -1846
Mohammad Nour Alkhoder, Professor Mohammad Nour Alkhoder holds a master's degree and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Al-Baath University, with a 94% GPA in both degrees, Dr. Al-Khadir has extensive experience as a teacher, teaching subjects including General Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Catalysis to graduate and postgraduate students . He published many Researches (uranium mining, production of silicate catalysts, preparation of activated carbon, preparation of nanoparticles and extraction of rare earth elements), currently I am working on the preparation of nanoparticles using plasma. Chem.Alnour@gmail.com | https://orcid.org/0000 -0001 -9981 -3471
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