Better by design: nanoengineered macroporous hydrotalcites for enhanced catalytic biodiesel production

Templated, macroporous Mg–Al hydrotalcites synthesised via alkali-free co-precipitation exhibit superior performance in the transesterification of C4–C18triglycerides for biodiesel production, with rate-enhancement increasing with alkyl chain length. Promotion reflects improved diffusion of bulky triglycerides and accessibility of active sites within the hierarchical macropore–micropore architecture.