DOI: https://doi.org/10.61435/ijred.2026.61977
View PDF Download fulltext

The effect of different surface functionalization of SBA-15 catalysts on the production of C16 bio-aviation fuel precursor

1Research Center for Catalysis, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia

2Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia

3Research Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Traditional Medicine, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia

4 Research Center for Molecular Chemistry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia

5 Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

6 Department of Chemistry, Faculty Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, 16424, Indonesia

View all affiliations
Received: 12 Nov 2025; Revised: 19 Jan 2026; Accepted: 10 Feb 2026; Available online: 22 Feb 2026; Published: 1 May 2026.
Editor(s): Editor Office
Open Access Copyright (c) 2026 The Author(s). Published by Centre of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE)
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Citation Format:
Abstract

The increasing global demand for sustainable aviation fuels has driven extensive research on developing efficient heterogeneous catalysts. This study investigates the effect of different surface functionalization methods of mesoporous SBA-15 on its catalytic activity for the production of a C16 precursor of bio-aviation fuel. The SBA-15 surfaces were modified by two acid functionalization routes, namely sulfonation and sulfation, to enhance its surface acidity and catalytic activity. Sulfonation was carried out using 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) followed by oxidation to obtain the SO3H–SBA-15 catalyst containing sulfonic acid groups (–SO3H), while sulfation using ammonium sulfate as a precursor produced the SO4–SBA-15 catalyst containing sulfate groups (SO42-). Both catalysts were characterized using NH3-TPD and acid-base titration to quantify the total acidity. The catalytic performance was evaluated through hydroxyalkylation-alkylation (HAA) reaction between 2-methylfuran (2-MF) and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) to synthesize a C16 bio-aviation fuel precursor, 5,5′-(4-methylpentane-2,2-diyl) bis(2-methylfuran) abbreviated as MPM. The results revealed that both modification methods effectively increased the total acid of SBA-15. However, the sulfated SBA-15 catalyst exhibited superior catalytic activity and stronger acid strength than the sulfonated one due to formation of more acid sites on its surface. Therefore, the sulfation route was identified as a more effective strategy for developing highly active solid acid catalysts. This research demonstrates the superior properties of sulfated mesoporous SBA-15 as a promising and sustainable heterogenous catalyst for converting biomass-derived platform chemicals into advanced C16 bio-aviation fuel precursors.

Keywords: SBA-15; sulfation; sulfonation; hydroxyalkylation-alkylation (HAA) reaction; C16 bio-aviation fuel

Article Metrics:

Article Info
Section: Int Conf. of Chemical and Material Engineering 2025
Language : EN
Recent articles
Utility-scale wind power generation potential in low-wind regions: Insights for achieving the sustainable energy transition in developing countries Geopolitical risk, renewable energy transition and policy response: evidence from the BRICS economies Optimization and characterization of bioethanol production from Icacina trichanta Oliv and Anchomanes difformis Blume as non-food starch feedstocks The effect of different surface functionalization of SBA-15 catalysts on the production of C16 bio-aviation fuel precursor Methyl ester production from high free fatty acid content with Ce/Zeolite bifunctional catalyst Chemically activated biochar derived from mangrove litter with enhanced CO2 adsorption capacity for carbon sequestration More recent articles
Most cited articles
The Effects of Different Roughness Configurations on Aerodynamic Performance of Wind Turbine Airfoil and Blade Numerical Study of Effect of Blade Twist Modifications on the Aerodynamic Performance of Wind Turbine Detection of Attacks on Wireless Sensor Network Using Genetic Algorithms Based on Fuzzy Kinetic and Enhancement of Biogas Production For The Purpose of Renewable Fuel Generation by Co-digestion of Cow Manure and Corn Straw in A Pilot Scale CSTR System Design, Analysis and Optimization of a Solar Dish/Stirling System More cited articles
  1. Adany, F., Priyanto, S., Mirzayanti, Y. W., Marbun, M. P., Zainul Furqon, M. I., Amin, A. K., Hasanudin, H., Aziz, A., Nugraha, R. E., Sudibyo, S., Constan Lotebulo Ndruru, S. T., Annas, D., Yati, I., Sulaswatty, A., Khoiru Wihadi, M. N., Wahyu N Nugroho, R., & Al Muttaqii, M. (2025). γ- Al2O3-supported Cobalt and Zinc as heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production assisted by ultrasonic wave. Vacuum, 240, 114502. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vacuum.2025.114502
  2. Akbar, Z. A., Situmorang, S. V., Yati, I., Yunarti, R. T., Surip, S. N., & Ridwan, M. (2024). Trimetallic NiPtAg nanoparticles supported by SBA-15 for hydrogen production through hydrazine hydrate dehydrogenation reaction. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 57, 1506–1512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.01.068
  3. Al Muttaqii, M., Marbun, M. P., Priyanto, S., Sibuea, A., Simanjuntak, W., Fuad Syafaat, A. M., Raja, H. S. H. S., Alviany, R., Maryani, T., Sulistyaningsih, T., Prasetyo, E., Sudibyo, S., & Yati, I. (2024). Lampung Natural Zeolite Dopped with of ZnO-TiO2 Metal Oxide as Catalyst for Biodiesel Production. Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering and Catalysis, 19(1), 61–68. https://doi.org/10.9767/bcrec.20038
  4. Atayde, E. C., Matsagar, B. M., Wang, Y., & Wu, K. C. (2024). Applied Catalysis A, General MOF-catalyzed hydroxyalkylation-alkylation reaction for the controlled synthesis of furan oligomers. Applied Catalysis A, General, 669(128), 119492. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2023.119492
  5. Busca, G., & Gervasini, A. (2020). Chapter One - Solid acids, surface acidity and heterogeneous acid catalysis. In C. Song (Ed.), Advances in Catalysis (Vol. 67, pp. 1–90). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acat.2020.09.003
  6. Chhabra, T., & Krishnan, V. (2023). Nanoarchitectonics of niobium (V) oxide with grafted sulfonic acid groups for solventless conversion of biomass derivatives to high carbon biofuel precursors. Fuel, 341(January), 127713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.127713
  7. Che, P., Ma, H., Nie, X., Yu, W., & Xu, J. (2022). Methyl isobutyl ketone-enabled selective dehydration–esterification of sorbitol to isosorbide esters over the H-beta catalyst. Green Chemistry, 24(19), 7545–7555. https://doi.org/10.1039/D2GC02342C
  8. Chen, Z., Zhang, C., Ma, Z., Nie, M., & Zhang, K. (2025). De Novo Biosynthesis of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone by Engineered Escherichia coli. ACS Synthetic Biology. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssynbio.5c00527
  9. Corma, A., de la Torre, O., Renz, M., & Villandier, N. (2011). Production of High-Quality Diesel from Biomass Waste Products. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 50(10), 2375–2378. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201007508
  10. Fadilah, C., Kurniawan, C., Ridwan, M., Al Muttaqii, M., Agustian, E., Andreani, A. S., Dwiatmoko, A. A., & Yati, I. (2023). Synthesis of superacid sulfated TiO2 nanowires for esterification of waste cooking oil. Reaction Kinetics, Mechanisms and Catalysis, 136(3), 1529–1544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11144-023-02401-3
  11. Feng, S., Zhang, X., Zhang, Q., Liang, Y., Zhao, X., Wang, C., & Ma, L. (2021). Synthesis of branched alkane fuel from biomass-derived methyl-ketones via self-aldol condensation and hydrodeoxygenation. Fuel, 299, 120889. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2021.120889
  12. Fonseca, J. M., Spessato, L., Cazetta, A. L., da Silva, C., & Almeida, V. de C. (2022). Sulfonated carbon: synthesis, properties and production of biodiesel. Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification, 170, 108668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cep.2021.108668
  13. Gabla, J. J., Lathiya, D. R., Revawala, A. A., & Maheria, K. C. (2019). Propyl–SO 3 H functionalized SBA-15: Microwave-mediated green synthesis of biologically active multi-substituted imidazole scaffolds. Research on Chemical Intermediates, 45(4), 1863–1881. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11164-018-3707-3
  14. Gebresillase, M. N., Shavi, R., & Seo, J. G. (2018). A comprehensive investigation of the condensation of furanic platform molecules to C14–C15 fuel precursors over sulfonic acid functionalized silica supports. Green Chemistry, 20(22), 5133–5146. https://doi.org/10.1039/C8GC01953C
  15. Hadiyanto, H., Lestari, S. P., & Widayat, W. (2016). Preparation and Characterization of Anadara Granosa Shells and CaCO3 as Heterogeneous Catalyst for Biodiesel Production. Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis, 11(1), 21-26. https://doi.org/10.9767/bcrec.11.1.402.21-26
  16. Jayabal, R. (2024). Towards a carbon-free society: Innovations in green energy for a sustainable future. Results in Engineering, 24, 103121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2024.103121
  17. Lee, D. S., Fahey, D. W., Skowron, A., Allen, M. R., Burkhardt, U., Chen, Q., Doherty, S. J., Freeman, S., Forster, P. M., Fuglestvedt, J., Gettelman, A., De León, R. R., Lim, L. L., Lund, M. T., Millar, R. J., Owen, B., Penner, J. E., Pitari, G., Prather, M. J., … Wilcox, L. J. (2021). The contribution of global aviation to anthropogenic climate forcing for 2000 to 2018. Atmospheric Environment, 244, 117834. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117834
  18. Li, G., Li, N., Li, S., Wang, A., Cong, Y., Wang, X., & Zhang, T. (2013). Synthesis of renewable diesel with hydroxyacetone and 2-methyl-furan. Chemical Communications, 49(51), 5727–5729. https://doi.org/10.1039/C3CC42296H
  19. Li, G., Li, N., Yang, J., Wang, A., Wang, X., Cong, Y., & Zhang, T. (2013). Synthesis of renewable diesel with the 2-methylfuran, butanal and acetone derived from lignocellulose. Bioresource Technology, 134, 66–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2013.01.116
  20. Liang, B., Zhu, P., Gu, J., Yuan, W., Xiao, B., Hu, H., & Rao, M. (2024). Advancing Adsorption and Separation with Modified SBA-15: A Comprehensive Review and Future Perspectives. Molecules, 29, 3543. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153543
  21. Lin, X., Bai, X., Zhao, W., Dai, Z., Zhao, Y., & Li, J. (2024). Research on high-carbon ether-based oxygen additives: Catalytic transformation of 2-methylfuran and furfural to ethers via CuMgAlOx catalysts. Fuel, 371, 132028. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2024.13202
  22. Lindstad, E., Ask, T. Ø., Cariou, P., Eskeland, G. S., & Rialland, A. (2023). Wise use of renewable energy in transport. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 119, 103713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2023.103713
  23. Manjate, M., Da Conceição, G., Terezinha, J., Stephan Santos Braga, R., & Junior, A. (2024). An exploratory analysis of the role of biomass in energy transition and sustainable energy generation. Caderno Pedagógico, 21(13), e11578. https://doi.org/10.54033/cadpedv21n13-094
  24. Mohd Hasan Wong, F. W., Al Kez, D., Del Rio, D. F., Foley, A., Rooney, D., & Abai, M. (2024). Decarbonizing and offsetting emissions in the airline industry: Current perspectives and strategies. Energy, 313, 133809. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2024.133809
  25. Muttaqii, M. Al, Annas, D., Yati, I., Kurniawan, H. H., Ndruru, S. T. C. L., Priyanto, S., Sudibyo, Aziz, A., Prasetyoko, D., Nugraha, R. E., & Marlinda, L. (2025). Molybdenum-lanthanum supported on nano-HZSM-5 as catalyst for hydroprocessing of Cerbera manghas oil. Inorganic Chemistry Communications, 173, 113855. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2024.113855
  26. Osazuwa, O. U., & Ng, K. H. (2025). A review to elucidate the influence of promoters on the acidity/basicity, reducibility, and metal-support interaction of catalysts in methane dry reforming. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 127, 309–335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2025.04.104
  27. Pal, P., Gopal, P. R. C., & Ramkumar, M. (2023). Impact of transportation on climate change: An ecological modernization theoretical perspective. Transport Policy, 130, 167–183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2022.11.008
  28. Paniagua, M., Cuaves, F., Morales, G., & Melero, J. A. (2021). Sulfonic Mesostructured SBA-15 Silicas for the Solvent-Free Production of Bio-Jet Fuel Precursors via Aldol Dimerization of Levulinic Acid. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 9, 5952–5962. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c00378
  29. Ridwan, M., Afifah, R. M., Yati, I., & Yunarti, R. T. (2024). Synthesis of an SBA-15 supported NiPtN catalyst for dehydrogenation of hydrazine hydrate. Sustainable Energy & Fuels, 8(4), 689–696. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SE01243C
  30. Saini, G., Manal, A. K., & Srivastava, R. (2024). Sulfonic acid functionalized SBA−15 catalyst and mercaptopropionic acid promotor for the selective synthesis of p,p′−bisphenol A: Replacement to mineral acid−based process. Catalysis Today, 439, 114800. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2024.114800
  31. Salsabila, D. F., Kurnia, I., Tachrim, Z. P., Dwiatmoko, A. A., Muslih, M. R., Karnjanakom, S., Ridwan, M., Ha, J. M., & Yati, I. (2025). New bio-aviation fuel production from 2-methylfuran and methyl isobutyl ketone using mesoporous sulfated SBA-15 catalyst. Renewable Energy, 246(December 2024), 122833. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2025.122833
  32. Sekewael, S. J., Pratika, R. A., Hauli, L., Amin, A. K., Utami, M., & Wijaya, K. (2022). Recent Progress on Sulfated Nanozirconia as a Solid Acid Catalyst in the Hydrocracking Reaction. Catalysts, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12020191
  33. Singh, S., Kumar, R., Setiabudi, H. D., Nanda, S., & Vo, D.-V. N. (2018). Advanced synthesis strategies of mesoporous SBA-15 supported catalysts for catalytic reforming applications: A state-of-the-art review. Applied Catalysis A: General, 559, 57–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2018.04.015
  34. Sudarsanam, P., Peeters, E., Makshina, E. V, Parvulescu, V. I., & Sels, B. F. (2019). Chem Soc Rev Advances in porous and nanoscale catalysts for viable biomass conversion. Chemical Society Reviews, 48(8), 2366–2421. https://doi.org/10.1039/c8cs00452h
  35. Teng, J., Ma, H., Wang, F., Wang, L., & Li, X. (2016). Catalytic Fractionation of Raw Biomass to Biochemicals and Organosolv Lignin in a Methyl Isobutyl Ketone/H2O Biphasic System. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 4(4), 2020–2026. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.5b01338
  36. Vogt, C., & Weckhuysen, B. M. (2022). The concept of active site in heterogeneous catalysis. Nature Reviews Chemistry, 6(2), 89–111. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41570-021-00340-y
  37. Wang, B., Ting, Z. J., & Zhao, M. (2024). Sustainable aviation fuels: Key opportunities and challenges in lowering carbon emissions for aviation industry. Carbon Capture Science & Technology, 13, 100263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccst.2024.100263
  38. Wang, C., Wang, Z., Mao, S., Chen, Z., & Wang, Y. (2022). Coordination environment of active sites and their effect on catalytic performance of heterogeneous catalysts. Chinese Journal of Catalysis, 43(4), 928–955. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1872-2067(21)63924-4
  39. Wang, W.-C., & Tao, L. (2016). Bio-jet fuel conversion technologies. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 53, 801–822. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.09.016
  40. Watanasiri, S., Paulechka, E., Iisa, K., Christensen, E., Muzny, C., & Dutta, A. (2023). Prediction of sustainable aviation fuel properties for liquid hydrocarbons from hydrotreating biomass catalytic fast pyrolysis derived organic intermediates. Sustainable Energy & Fuels, 7(10), 2413–2427. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SE00058C
  41. Yang, H., Joh, H.-I., Choo, H., Choi, Jae-wook, Suh, D. J., Lee, U., Choi, Jungkyu, & Ha, J.-M. (2021). Condensation of furans for the production of diesel precursors: A study on the effects of surface acid sites of sulfonated carbon catalysts. Catalysis Today, 375, 155–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2020.05.006
  42. Yan, P., Wang, H., Liao, Y., & Wang, C. (2023). Synthesis of renewable diesel and jet fuels from bio-based furanics via hydroxyalkylation/alkylation (HAA) over SO42-/TiO2 and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactions. Fuel, 342(January), 127685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.127685
  43. Yati, I., Kang, J., Noh, H., Choo, H., Choi, J.-W., Suh, D. J., & Ha, J.-M. (2024). Production of high-carbon-number bio-aviation fuels from furans using sulfated zirconia and silica-alumina aerogel catalysts. Catalysis Today, 426, 114402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2023.114402
  44. Yati, I., Ridwan, M., Jeong, G. E., Lee, Y., Choi, J. W., Yoon, C. W., Suh, D. J., & Ha, J. M. (2014). Effects of sintering-resistance and large metal-support interface of alumina nanorod-stabilized Pt nanoparticle catalysts on the improved high temperature water gas shift reaction activity. Catalysis Communications, 56, 11–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catcom.2014.06.016
  45. Yati, I., Ridwan, M., Padella, F., & Pentimalli, M. (2024). The Effect of Solvent on the Characteristics of FeBTC MOF as a Potential Heterogenous Catalyst Prepared via Green Mechanochemical Process. Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis, 19(1), 118–125. https://doi.org/10.9767/bcrec.20115
  46. Yati, I., Yeom, M., Choi, J.-W., Choo, H., Suh, D. J., & Ha, J.-M. (2015). Water-promoted selective heterogeneous catalytic trimerization of xylose-derived 2-methylfuran to diesel precursors. Applied Catalysis A: General, 495, 200–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2015.02.002
  47. Yoro, K. O., & Daramola, M. O. (2020). Chapter 1 - CO2 emission sources, greenhouse gases, and the global warming effect. In M. R. Rahimpour, M. Farsi, & M. A. Makarem (Eds.), Advances in Carbon Capture (pp. 3–28). Woodhead Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819657-1.00001-3
  48. Zhang, X., Li, Y., Qian, C., An, L., Wang, W., Li, X., Shao, X., & Li, Z. (2023). Research progress of catalysts for aldol condensation of biomass based compounds. RSC Adv., 13(14), 9466–9478. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA00906H
  49. Zhao, D., Huo, Q., Feng, J., Chmelka, B. F., & Stucky, G. D. (1998). Nonionic Triblock and Star Diblock Copolymer and Oligomeric Surfactant Syntheses of Highly Ordered, Hydrothermally Stable, Mesoporous Silica Structures. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 120(24), 6024–6036. https://doi.org/10.1021/ja974025i

Last update:

No citation recorded.

Last update: 2026-04-16 08:38:43

No citation recorded.