Abstract: Na-ZSM-5 support was prepared and loaded with Ru by an impregnation method to obtain a supported metal catalyst. The catalyst was activated by electrochemical catalysis for application in the isomerization of corn oil. The influence of the reaction conditions on the isomerization efficiency was studied. The optimum reaction conditions were determined as follows: catalyst dosage 5%, isomerization time 3 h, stirring speed 600 r/min, and isomerization temperature 160 ℃. The relative activity of the supported Ru/Na-ZSM-5 catalyst was maintained at 75.2% after repeated use for five times. Finally, the major components and physicochemical properties of the reacted corn oil were studied. The results showed that the oil contained 12.32% c9,t11-CLA and 8.45% t10,c12-CLA as well as only 1.63% trans oleic acid. Its acid value was 1.17 mg/g, iodine value 103.08 g/100 g, peroxide value 4.31 mmol/kg, saponification value 201.56 mg/g, and unsaponifiable matter content 16.53 g/kg, which revealed good quality.

Key words: corn oil; electrocatalysis; conjugated linoleic acid; linoleic acid