Hydrodeoxygenation of lignin-derived phenolic compounds to hydrocarbons over Ni/SiO2-ZrO2 catalysts

► SiO2-ZrO2 exhibited amphoteric character and excellent textural properties. ► Ni/SiO2-ZrO2 catalyst showed the catalytic activity for phenolics HDO. ► The bond of C-O could be cleaved on the surface of SiO2-ZrO2 support. ► Ni/SiO2-ZrO2 catalyst exhibits excellent recyclability and anti-coking performance. ► The lignin-derived phenols were converted into hydrocarbons with high yields.