Exploration of in-situ formed MoSx catalyst for co-hydrodeoxygenation of sawdust and vacuum gas oil in pilot-scale plant

Obtaining bio-fuels (including gas and bio-oil) with high energy density remains a huge challenge due to their high oxygen content. Here we report a novel MoSx catalyst in-situ formed in a pilot-scale plant can effectively promote the co-hydrodeoxygenation (co-HDO) reaction of poplar wood sawdust and vacuum gas oil with H-2. Because of the sulfur vacancies on MoSx the co-HDO reaction is facilitated along with a significant accumulation of oxygen (over 50.0 wt.%) into an oil-insoluble polar-liquid, leading to a high combustion heat of similar to 47 MJ kg(-1) of the bio-fuels. Besides, the presence of MoSx also affords a lowered molecular weight of the deoxidized biofuels. Based on the underlying conversion mechanisms, the co-HDO reaction can be enhanced in the presence of MoSx catalyst by promoting oxygen transfer towards the polar-liquid during the co-HDO process.

Automated summary

The use of MoSx catalyst can effectively enhance the co-HDO reaction by promoting oxygen transfer, leading to bio-fuels with reduced oxygen content and high combustion heat.