Catalytic Conversion of Dicyclopentadiene into High Energy Density Fuel: A Brief Review

A fuel with parameters such as high energy density, lower viscosity, and freezing point is desirable to be used in missile aircrafts jets at higher altitudes. In this regard, exotetrahydrodicyclopentadiene, a major constituent of JP-10 fuel, has ideal properties to be used as missile fuel and can be produced from its endoisomeric form known as endotetrahydrodicyclopentadiene. Dicyclopentadiene is used as a feedstock to produce endo or exotetrahydrodicyclopentadiene either in one or two steps. This brief review is a compilation of the research so far, conducted by various research groups, and provides knowledge on the dicyclopentadiene transformation to endo and exotetrahydrodicyclopentadiene over various hydrogenation–isomerization catalysts at various reaction conditions. The role of the catalyst and its deactivation is discussed, and the use of a catalytic reactor is also mentioned.