Synthesis of Aviation Fuel Range Alkanes Through Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignocellulose Derived C ₁₅ Aldol Condensate Catalyzed by Ni‐Nb ₂ O ₅ /ZrP Catalysts

The hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignocellulose-based furan compounds holds significant potential for the synthesis of aviation fuel. However, challenges such as high catalyst costs and low yields persist. This study proposes a two-step strategy, involving pre-hydrogenation followed by HDO, to convert the C₁₅ condensation product derived from furfural and levulinic acid into hydrocarbons within the aviation fuel range. A Ni-based catalyst supported on zirconium phosphate (ZrP) with the incorporation of Nb₂O₅ was synthesized. At 340 °C, 4 MPa H₂, and weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) = 14.9, using Ni-Nb₂O₅/ZrP as the catalyst for HDO, considering the pre-hydrogenation, the overall yield of alkanes in the C₁₀-C₁₅ jet fuel range from solid condensation products FLF is 62.4%, with a yield of C₁₅ alkanes of 16.2% and C₁₄ alkanes of 25.2%. A series of characterizations and comparative experiments were carried out. Experimental studies have demonstrated that doping with Nb₂O₅ plays a crucial role in enhancing the HDO performance. The characterization results indicate that the introduction of an appropriate amount of Nb₂O₅ increased the electron density of ZrP, enriched the catalyst's acidic sites, in addition, the ratio of Bronsted acid to Lewis acid sites in the catalyst increases. Finally, a brief analysis of industrialization potential was conducted.