An Efficient Catalyst Prepared from Residual Kaolin for the Esterification of Distillate from the Deodorization of Palm Oil

The distillate from the deodorization of palm oil (DDPO) is an agro-industrial residue, approximately 84% of which consists of free fatty acids (FFAs), which can be used for the production of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE). A catalyst (10HPMo/AlSiM) obtained from a waste material, Amazon flint kaolin, was applied in the esterification of the DDPO, reaching a conversion index of 94%, capable of maintaining satisfactory activity (>75%) after four consecutive cycles. Flint kaolin is therefore proven to be an efficient option in the search for new heterogeneous low-cost catalysts obtained from industrial by-products, contributing to the reduction of environmental impact and adding value to widely available wastes that would otherwise be discarded directly into the environment. Based on the catalytic results, esterification of DDPO using 10HPMo/AlSiM can be a cheaper alternative for the production of sustainable fuels.