Transition metal oxide nanocatalysts for the deoxygenation of palm oil to green diesel

This study investigated the hydrodeoxygenation of palm oil by different oxide nanocatalysts of transition metals α -Fe 2 O 3 , NiO, and NiFe 2 O 4 , which were synthesized by hot injection. All nanomaterials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and dynamic light dispersion. The catalytic evaluation was performed in a Parr-type reactor at 350°C, 3.5 MPa of H 2 pressure, and 3 h of reaction. The liquid product obtained was analyzed by ultraviolet-visible light spectroscopy to identify the n-C 16 generated during the reaction. The activity in the deoxygenation of fatty acids to produce n-C 16 hydrocarbons has the following order: α-Fe 2 O 3 < NiFe 2 O 4 < NiO.