Catalytic deoxygenation of oleic acid over a Ni-CeZrO2 catalyst

Ni-loaded Ce0.6Zr0.4O2 catalysts were prepared by a co-precipitation method and subsequently employed in the deoxygenation of oleic acid under solvent-free conditions. Among the prepared catalysts, the 20 wt% NiCe0.6Zr0.4O2 catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic activity, i.e., 98.3% oleic acid conversion, with 33.9% C-9-C-17 selectivity, and a 95.7% oxygen removal rate. The basic fuel properties of the obtained products were then examined to determine their potential for use in a diesel engine. The product produced using the 20 wt% NiCe0.6Zr0.4O2 catalyst exhibited a particularly high calorific value (i.e., 10213 cal/g, similar to that of commercial diesel, i.e., 10220 cal/g), the lowest viscosity (25.2cP), and the lowest solidification temperature ( -15 degrees C).