Synthesis of Aviation Fuel Range Alkanes Through Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignocellulose Derived C₁₅ Aldol Condensate Catalyzed by Ni‐Nb₂O₅/ZrP Catalysts.

The hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignocellulose‐based furan compounds holds significant potential for the synthesis of aviation fuel. However, challenges such as high catalyst costs and low yields persist. This study proposes a two‐step strategy, involving pre‐hydrogenation followed by HDO, to convert the C15 condensation product derived from furfural and levulinic acid into hydrocarbons within the aviation fuel range. A Ni‐based catalyst supported on zirconium phosphate (ZrP) with the incorporation of Nb2O5 was synthesized. At 340 °C, 4 MPa H2, and weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) = 14.9, using Ni‐Nb2O5/ZrP as the catalyst for HDO, considering the pre‐hydrogenation, the overall yield of alkanes in the C10–C15 jet fuel range from solid condensation products FLF is 62.4%, with a yield of C15 alkanes of 16.2% and C14 alkanes of 25.2%. A series of characterizations and comparative experiments were carried out. Experimental studies have demonstrated that doping with Nb2O5 plays a crucial role in enhancing the HDO performance. The characterization results indicate that the introduction of an appropriate amount of Nb2O5 increased the electron density of ZrP, enriched the catalyst's acidic sites, in addition, the ratio of Bronsted acid to Lewis acid sites in the catalyst increases. Finally, a brief analysis of industrialization potential was conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]