Hierarchical catalysts with controllable CC and CO bond activation ability for selective hydrogenation of oleic acid

Abstract Hierarchical Y/SBA‐15 meso‐microporous composites (YS‐ x ) and corresponding highly dispersed catalysts (Ni/YS‐ x ) were prepared and applied to the production of jet fuel range hydrocarbons by the selective hydrogenation of oleic acid. Small particle size and electron‐deficient Ni δ+ are detrimental to the CC bond activation of the η 1 (C)‐acyl conformation and inhibit the decarbonylation/decarboxylation pathway. Besides, the activation ability of the CC bond is regulated to avoid excessive cleavage by the acidity and diffusion properties of the hierarchical Ni/YS‐ x catalysts, thus affecting their hydroisomerization and hydrocracking properties. The abundant acid sites are beneficial to the selective activation of the CO bond of the η 2 (C, O)‐aldehyde conformation and the promotion of the reductive deoxygenation pathway. The optimal Ni/YS‐1 shows the highest iso / n ‐alkane ratio ( i / n = 6.26) and superior jet fuel range hydrocarbons yield (48.8%, 340°C), which is a benefit from its outstanding acid–metal balance and worthy diffusion property.