Dual Acridine/Thiophenol Photocatalysis for the Production of Advanced Drop-in Biofuels

A practical and efficient dual photocatalytic system based on acridine and thiol has been developed for the production of advanced drop-in biofuels from vegetable and waste oils. This methodology enables the hydrodecarboxylation of fatty acids under mild conditions, metal- and hydrogen-free, using DCM as the solvent, which can be easily recovered and reused in the reaction. C_n–1 hydrocarbons were obtained in yields exceeding 70% from isolated fatty acids, while complex hydrocarbon mixtures were produced with conversions of up to 99% from hydrolyzed fatty acids derived from soybean oil, palm oil, distillers corn oil, and used cooking oil. The resulting hydrocarbon fractions exhibit compositional profiles compatible with diesel and biojet fuel specifications, demonstrating their potential for direct application in commercial fuel blends. Compared with conventional thermochemical processes, this system offers a sustainable and economical alternative for converting waste feedstocks into second-generation biofuels.