Defining nickel phosphides supported on sodium mordenite for hydrodeoxygenation of palm oil

• Published in: Fuel processing technology Vol. 198; no. -; p. 106236
• Main Authors: Rakmae, Suriyan, Osakoo, Nattawut, Pimsuta, Mustika, Deekamwong, Krittanun, Keawkumay, Chalermpan, Butburee, Teera, Faungnawakij, Kajornsak, Geantet, Christophe, Prayoonpokarach, Sanchai, Wittayakun, Jatuporn, Khemthong, Pongtanawat
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.02.2020; Elsevier Science Ltd; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alkanes; Catalysis; Chemical Sciences; Environment and Society; Environmental Sciences; Green diesel; Hydrodeoxygenation; Mordenite; Nickel; Nickel phosphide; Palm oil; Phosphides; Reduction; Selectivity; Stainless steels; Trickle beds; Vegetable oils; Zeolites; Mordenite; Palm oil; Hydrodeoxygenation; Green diesel; Nickel phosphide
• ISSN: 0378-3820; 1873-7188
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2019.106236

Palm oil is largely produced in Thailand and sufficient to utilize as a biofuel feedstock through hydrodeoxygenation (HDO). In this work a new bifunctional catalyst consisting of nickel phosphide supported on zeolite mordenite in sodium form (Ni-P/NaMOR) was prepared by sequential impregnation and characterized extensively by several techniques to understand the reduction behavior, phases and distribution of nickel phosphides on the support. Nickel and phosphate precursors were transformed to Ni2P2O7 species by calcination and to a mixed phase between Ni12P5 and Ni2P by reduction. The phosphide species distributed in the zeolite cavities and external surface. The HDO of palm oil was tested in a down-flow stainless steel trickle bed reactor and the atmosphere was hydrogen. The mixed phase of nickel phosphides enhanced the HDO reaction. When tested by various temperatures and pressures, the optimum condition in this work was at 425 °C and 50 bar in which a complete of palm oil conversion, the largest HDO yield and selectivity toward C15-C18 alkanes were obtained. The green diesel and HDO yields from reduced Ni-P/NaMOR were larger than those from pure Ni2P and mixed Ni2P-Ni12P5. Interestingly, a small amount of isoparaffins was also observed likely due to the contribution of NaMOR support. [Display omitted] •Nickel phosphide on NaMOR was tested in hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of palm oil.•The catalyst contained a mixed phase between Ni12P5 and Ni2P with bifunctionality.•The mixed phosphide phase gave high yield and selectivity toward C15-C18 alkanes.•The NaMOR support contributed a formation of isoparaffins.•The optimum condition to yield the largest HDO was at 425 °C and 50 bar.