In situ hydrogenation of model compounds and raw bio-oil over Raney Ni catalyst

Over Raney Ni catalyst, the aqueous phase reforming (APR) of methanol could couple with the hydrogenation of the model compounds of bio-oil and the raw bio-oil. The hydrogen product from the APR of methanol could offer hydrogen source for the upgrading of the raw bio-oil. The main products of acetone and phenol were isopropanol and cyclohexanol. At 220 °C and 3 MPa, the conversion of acetone and phenol reached the highest point with 55.76% and 64.65% and the bio-oil was improved not only on the appearance but also on the composition significantly. The contents of ketone/aldehyde and organic acids decreased from 30.36% and 39.89% to 9.32% and 30.25% respectively. The contents of alcohols and esters increased from 8.89% and 4.9% to 16.33% and 20.53%. During the in situ hydrogenation process, hydrogenation and esterification were the main reactions in the bio-oil.