Selective deoxygenation of fatty acids to fuel-range hydrocarbons over Pt-MOx/ZrO2 (M = Mo and W) catalysts

A comparative catalytic activity study of Pt-MoOx/ZrO2 and Pt-WOx/ZrO2 for deoxygenation of oleic acid (OA) forming fuel-range, linear hydrocarbons is reported. These catalysts (with 4 wt% Pt and 8 wt% Mo or W) were prepared by a sequential wet-impregnation method and characterized for the structural and electronic properties. Pt-MoOx/ZrO2 showed higher catalytic activity than Pt-WOx/ZrO2. Hydrodeoxygenation was the selective pathway over these bifunctional catalysts yielding n-octadecane. High conversion of OA was achieved at 200 degrees C itself. On the contrary, monometallic Pt/ZrO2 was weakly active. It was selective mainly toward decarboxylation/decarbonylation producing n-heptadecane. Higher amounts of Pt and metal oxide in reduced forms are responsible for the high hydrodeoxygenation activity and selectivity of these reusable, bimetallic catalysts.

Automated summary

The study found that Pt-MoOx/ZrO2 exhibits higher catalytic activity for the deoxygenation of oleic acid, forming fuel-range linear hydrocarbons, compared to Pt-WOx/ZrO2. Hydrodeoxygenation is the selective pathway on these bifunctional catalysts, yielding n-octadecane.