(600be) Deoxygenation of Biofuel Model Compounds (Ethanol and 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran) On Silica Supported Nickel Phosphide

The
research contributes to the quest for second generation bio-fuel. Biomass is
one of the most promising renewable energy sources for its abundant
availability, extremely low sulfur and nitrogen pollutant content, and
reduction in greenhouse gases (due to the CO₂ consumption of
biomass). Second generation biofuels are produced from sustainable feedstock
that utilizes non-food crops or inedible waste products from agriculture,
forestry, or paper manufacture etc. Oxygen removal is essential in upgrading
biomass oil into commercial oil or gasoline. Transition metal phosphide
catalysts, especially nickel phosphide, have been studied in hydrotreating
applications and have been shown to be excellent catalysts for sulfur and
nitrogen removal in petroleum feedstocks. In this study, two components of raw pyrolysis
oil (ethanol and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran) were investigated on silica supported
nickel phosphide. Ethanol decomposition on nickel phosphide produced mostly
ethylene and some acetaldehyde. Both products have significant demands in the chemical
industry. Meanwhile, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran reactions on nickel phosphide
produced mostly pentane with some 2-pentanone and butane. Contact time study
and infrared spectroscopy were carried out to elucidate the reaction pathways
of the two model compounds on the supported nickel phosphide.

Ethanol decomposition on Ni₂P/SiO₂

2-Methyltetrahydrofuran
Decomposition on Ni₂P/SiO₂