Hydrodeoxygenation of bio-derived phenols to hydrocarbons using RANEY (R) Ni and Nafion/SiO2 catalysts

A simple, green, cost-and energy-efficient route for converting phenolic components in bio-oil to hydrocarbons and methanol has been developed, with nearly 100% yields. In the heterogeneous catalysts, RANEY (R) Ni acts as the hydrogenation catalyst and Nafion/SiO2 acts as the Bronsted solid acid for hydrolysis and dehydration.