Abstract
Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of niobium-doped tin oxide nanoparticles, using niobium ethoxide and niobium pentoxide as precursors, was investigated. The prepared catalysts were used in the esterification reaction of oleic acid. The structural and morphological characteristics of the powders were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The application of catalysts resulted in a yield of 41.6% of methyl oleate.
Keywords:
tin oxide; nanoparticles; esterification; microwave-assisted hydrothermal method
