Production of alkanes from biomass derived carbohydrates on bi-functional catalysts employing niobium-based supports

Bi-functional catalysts consisting of Pt supported on niobium-based solid acids were synthesized and utilized in the aqueous-phase dehydration and hydrogenation of sorbitol to alkanes at temperatures near 530 K and pressures of 54 bar. At low space velocities, the yield of alkanes is highest but decreases in favor of oxygenated compounds as the space velocity is increased. Niobium-based catalysts demonstrate superior reactivity in comparison to a silica–alumina based catalyst. This higher reactivity is not related to the concentration of acid sites but rather is attributed to the coordination environment of the niobium acid center.