Hydrodeoxygenation of m-cresol over gallium-modified beta zeolite catalysts

► Hydrodeoxygenation of m-cresol was studied over Ga-modified zeolites at 400-550 °C. ► Products include BTX aromatics, light hydrocarbons, phenol, and heavier oxygenates. ► A “surface pool” of oxygenated condensed species plays a role in the reaction pathway. ► Toluene yield increases with temperature, space time, Ga content, and H2 pressure. ► The efficiency of the support to promote the activity is Ga/HBeta > HZSM-5 ≫ Ga/silica.