Production of bio-jet fuel from fatty acid methyl esters over nickel based bimetallic catalysts supported on modified beta zeolite in fixed bed reactor
Abstract:
Currently, the consumption of fossil fuels used for internal combustion engines in the transportation sector tends to be declined according to the replacement of electric vehicles, leading to an oversupply of biodiesel in the future. To maintain the balance in the palm oil market, the biodiesel derived from palm oil has the potential to use as the feedstock for bio-jet fuel production, aligning with the policy of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to support the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). In this regard, this research focuses on the continuous hydroconversion of biodiesel derived from palm oil to bio-jet fuel in a fixed bed reactor. Due to the drawbacks of nickel (Ni)-based catalysts, including agglomeration, extensive hydrogenolysis and coke formation during the hydroprocess, were addressed by incorporating Ga and Ce into Ni-based catalysts supported on modified beta zeolite (beta-HF) prepared via HF/NH4F acid leaching. At 360 °C, 2.45 h-1 WHSV, 30 bar H2, and 60 ml/min H2 flow rate, the 5Ni5Ga-5Ce/beta-HF catalyst achieved the highest performance, with 41.6% bio-jet fuel selectivity, an iso-/n-alkane ratio of 0.90, minimal oxygenated compounds (14.3%), and a calorific value of 37.4 MJ/kg. This biofuel can blend with Jet A-1 at a 10/90% (v/v) ratio without compromising quality, offering a promising route for SAF production and reduced Jet A-1 dependency.