Hydrocracking of Algae Oil into Aviation Fuel-Range Hydrocarbons Using a Pt–Re Catalyst

• DOI: 10.1021/ef5018994
• Publication Date: 2014-10-30T17:08:08Z
• Authors: Kazuhisa Murata; Yanyong Liu; Makoto M. Watanabe; Megumu Inaba; Isao Takahara
• Keywords: Squalane; Aviation fuel; Vegetable oil refining; Fuel oil

Renewable green aviation and diesel-type alkanes can be produced by hydrocracking of Botryococcus braunii oil (Bot-oil) squalane oils with Pt–Re/SiO2–Al2O3 (SA) catalysts, which are active at 310–340 °C the weight ratio oil/catalyst 10. For purified Bot-oil on Pt–3 wt % Re/SA 330 °C, highest fuel-range hydrocarbon (C10–C15) yield 50.2% was achieved, diesel-range hydrocarbons (C16–C20) 16.7% yield. The re-modified Pt/SA catalysts also for as model compound algae oil, C10–C20 68.8% obtained. Pt–Re catalyst found to stable second regeneration cycle, even use crude Bot-oil. Investigation natures indicates that metallic Pt Re independently present surface, but synergism these two metals could play an important role in reaction. reaction pathway involves C–C bond scission via a carbenium ion formed from one double-bond carbons over SA catalyst, followed hydrogenation C═C bonds partial aromatization catalyst.