PtNi/CeCrO2-x alloy catalyst for the liquefaction of lignocellulose to sustainable liquid fuels

In this work, a series of PtNi/CeCrO 2-x catalysts with different composite ratios were systematically fabricated via a synergistic combination of precipitation and incipient wetness impregnation. The characterization results showed that the PtNi/CeCrO 2-x catalyst was developed to facilitate the hydrodeoxygenation reaction and attained nearly complete depolymerization of lignocellulose. Compared to pure Pt catalysts, the PtNi alloy catalyst prepared by this method is more cost-effective, reduces the yield of over-hydrogenation products such as tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, cycloalkanes, and cycloalcohols, enhances C–O bond activation, and alters the selectivity of the catalyst. The introduction of Ni leads to an increase in the electron density on the catalyst surface, thereby increasing the acidity. With the increase in Ni content, the total acid content increases, and the Brønsted acid and Lewis acid sites gradually increase. The increasing rate of Brønsted acid is greater than that of Lewis acid.