0.7 wt% Pt/beta-Al2O3 as a highly efficient catalyst for the hydrodeoxygenation of FAMEs to diesel-range alkanes

Abstract Four kinds of hydrodeoxygenation catalysts with various beta zeolite contents, Pt/Al2O3, Pt/beta(20%)-Al2O3, Pt/beta(50%)-Al2O3 and Pt/beta(80%)-Al2O3, were prepared by the wet-impregnation method and characterized by powder XRD, BET, NH3-TPD, TEM, STEM and EDX techniques. The prepared catalysts were used for the efficient production of biodiesel-range alkanes. The proportion of beta zeolite significantly affected the hydrodeoxygenation activity of catalysts. The highest FAMEs conversion rates (99.5%) and C15–C18 alkane yields (84.7%) were obtained by the Pt/beta(20%)-Al2O3 catalyst due to its larger mesoporous pore volume, moderate acidity and high dispersion of Pt nanoparticles. After compiling the product distribution results, a reaction pathway for the hydrodeoxygenation of FAMEs was discussed.