Efficient Catalytic Hydrocracking of Crude Palm Oil Over EDTA Template-assisted SiO2-Al2O3/NiMo Catalysts

The development of hydrocracking catalysts for crude palm oil (CPO) is a challenging process due to its limited textural or pore accessibility and low acidity properties. Therefore, this study aims to develop a series of SiO2-Al2O3-x/NiMo catalysts using different Al mass (x = 5, 10, 25 g) assisted with EDTA to enhance their physicochemical properties. During the procedures, bimetallic NiMo species were dispersed into SiO2-Al2O3-x using the wet impregnation method. The structural, textural, surface morphology, particle size distribution, and acidity properties of the products were then assessed. Catalytic activity of catalysts on hydrocracking of CPO was evaluated at 350 °C for 2 h, H2 gas pressure of 20 bar, and mixed at 1500 rpm. The results showed that increasing Al mass caused an increment in the total acidity, acid site density, and surface area of SiO2-Al2O3-x. In addition, SiO2-Al2O3-25 provided better support properties, allowing preferable NiMo dispersion. Hydrocracking assessment showed that CPO conversion was increased at higher Al mass, producing the highest bio-aviation and biogasoline fractions yield. Based on these results, SiO2-Al2O3-x/NiMo successfully enhanced CPO conversion of unloaded SiO2-Al2O3-x, as well as increased the yield of bio-aviation and biogasoline fractions.