Hydrocracking of vacuum residue with activated carbon in supercritical hydrocarbon solvents

► Hydrocracking of VR with AC is conducted with supercritical hydrocarbon solvents. ► The supercritical hydrocarbon solvent affects the levels of conversion and coke formation. ► Yield of each oil product is strongly affected by the type of supercritical hydrocarbon solvent. ► Surface functional groups of AC catalyst play important roles in reactions.