Green diesel production via deoxygenation of triolein catalysed by nickel-molybdenum-supported catalysts

The deoxygenation of triolein into hydrocarbons has been carried out over NiO/CeO₂, MoO₂/CeO₂ and NiO–MoO₂/CeO₂ under partial vacuum and solvent-free conditions. NiO–MoO₂/CeO₂ exhibited a remarkably higher yield of hydrocarbons (65%) and n-C₁₇ selectivity (37%) in comparison with single metal oxide–supported CeO₂ catalysts. Interestingly, the rich acid–base character and excellent synergistic effect between Ni–Mo and CeO₂ positively impacted the deoxygenation reaction while suppressing the cracking reaction. The addition of Ni- and Mo-rich species deteriorated the deoxygenation activity. The highest hydrocarbon yield (77%) and n-C₁₇ selectivity (58%) can be achieved at a reaction temperature of 340 °C, 1 h of reaction time, 15 wt% of catalyst loading and 10 mbar of reaction pressure under partial vacuum conditions. Based on catalyst support comparison (CeO₂, Al₂O₃, SiO₂, and ZSM-5), CeO₂ is a promising catalyst support for the production of diesel-rich fuels via solvent-free catalytic deoxygenation of triolein.