Abstract
The paper considers the diatomite-supported platinum catalyst (1.0 wt% Pt/D) synthesized using colloid adsorption method. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption (BET), scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The activity of the platinum catalyst was investigated by sunflower hydrogenation at 0.5 MPa hydrogen pressure at temperature range from 90°C to 130°C and compared to a commercial Ni catalyst. All of the hydrogenation reactions were terminated at iodine value between approximately 72-86. The results demonstrated that Pt/diatomite catalyst exhibited the highest activity and selectivity at low temperature than the Ni catalyst in hydrogenation processes. Physical characteristics of hydrogenated products such as melting point and solid fat content were also examined.