Development of new catalytic systems for upgraded bio-fuels production from bio-crude-oil and biodiesel

The investigation of upgraded bio-fuels production processes was carried out via the development of efficient catalysts for oxy-organic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) processes. It was found that Ni–Cu catalysts are more attractive than single Ni catalysts in HDO under mild conditions. Copper facilitates the nickel oxide reduction at temperatures lower than 300 °C. Moreover, copper prevents methanization of oxy-organics at 280–350 °C. The catalyst supports play also a key role in hydrotreatment of oxygen-containing compounds. Screening of catalyst supports showed that CeO2 and ZrO2 are most effective in the target processes because of possible additional activation of oxy-compounds on the support surface. The prepared catalysts have non-sulfided nature and can be used for upgrading of bioliquids with a low sulfur content.