Reactive calcium oxide catalyst

Abstract

A reactive calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst for catalytic applications is disclosed. The catalyst comprises calcium oxide particles exhibiting rod-like and dumbbell-shaped morphologies and particle characteristics associated with enhanced catalytic activity in monolaurin synthesis. The catalyst possesses reduced particle agglomeration and increased accessible surface area relative to calcium oxide materials produced under non-optimized calcination conditions. In certain embodiments, the catalyst exhibits an average particle size in the nanometer range suitable for glycerolysis reactions. The reactive calcium oxide catalyst may be derived from thermal decomposition of calcium hydroxide precursor material and is suitable for use in monolaurin production and related catalytic processes.