Production of diesel fuel by the hydrotreatment of jatropha oil derived fatty acid methyl esters over γ-Al2O3 and SiO2 supported NiCo bimetallic catalysts

gamma-Al2O3 and SiO2 supported NiCo bimetallic catalysts were synthesized for the production of diesel fuel by the hydrotreatment of jatropha fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Upgrading of FAME through hydroprocessing is a sufficient route for improving their characteristics to motor fuel and to overcome their main drawbacks such as oxidative instability, corrosivity and low stability. Hydroprocessing of FAME derived from jatropha oil is more economical and feasible way to produce diesel fuel compared to hydroprocessing of jatropha oil (triglyceride) since the former needs comparatively low hydrogen volumes and reaction pressure. A maximum conversion of 78.2 and 76.1 % were obtained for NiCo/gamma Al2O3 and NiCo/SiO2, respectively, under the reaction conditions of 2 MPa and 400 degrees C and straight chain alkanes in the diesel range were the main products. The highest diesel selectivity obtained was 79 and 73 % for NiCo/gamma Al2O3 and NiCo/SiO2, respectively. As the reaction temperature increased from 300-400 degrees C, the formation of higher alkanes (>C20) were decreased and formation of lighter alkanes were favored (C8-C16).