Hydrocarbons Production from Lignin-derived Phenolic Compounds over Ni/SiO2 Catalyst

Ni-based catalysts supported on different supports (γ-Al2O3 and SiO2) were prepared by impregnation. Catalyst characterization was carried out by multiple methods. Effects of supports on catalytic performance were tested though the HDO of phenol. Experiment result shows that single phenolic compounds can be efficiently converted over Ni/SiO2 and Ni/γ-Al2O3 at 300 oC. The hydrocarbons yields are in the range of 60∼90%. When mixed phenolic compounds were used as feedstock, Ni/SiO2 catalyst also exhibits high catalytic activity and excellent repeatability. However, the catalytic activity of Ni/γ-Al2O3 decreased obviously in the HDO of mixed phenolic compounds. Deteriorated repeatability was also exhibited due to the formation of coke in the HDO process.