Catalysts for Fatty Alcohol Production from Renewable Resources

Abstract Fatty alcohols may be produced through the processing of fatty acids or their esters derived from palm or coconut oils. Fatty alcohol technology can be classified into two categories (a) a slurry‐phase process in which the fatty acid or its ester is converted into alcohol using a powdered catalyst and (b) fixed bed technology in which the fatty acid or its ester is processed over a formed catalyst, e.g. tablets or extrudates. Historically copper‐based catalysts are employed for achieving ester hydrogenolysis. In recent years, studies were also focused on precious metal catalysts for this process. This paper will critically review existing literature pertaining to the catalysts that operate at diverse conditions, handle different feedstocks, and are compatible with a variety of unit operations used by the fatty alcohol manufacturers. There is an effort to develop environmentally friendly non‐chrome copper catalyst in this process. Some recent progress on bimetallic Cu‐Fe catalyst and understanding Cu‐Fe interaction has been reported. Current development on homogenous catalysts in this process was carefully reviewed. The catalyst deactivation mechanism has been investigated and effect of different impurities, mainly phosphorous, sulfur, chloride, water, glycerine and free fatty acid was thoroughly reviewed.