Catalytic role of metals supported on SBA-16 in hydrodeoxygenation of chemical compounds derived from biomass processing

Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) carried out at high temperatures and high hydrogen pressures is one of the alternative methods of upgrading pyrolytic oils from biomass, leading to high quality biofuels. To save energy, it is important to carry out catalytic processes under the mildest possible experimental conditions. The aim of our research was the synthesis of ordered mesoporous SBA-16 type silica materials modified with transition metal atoms (Ir, Ru, Pd, Pt), their physicochemical characterization and use as catalysts in hydrodeoxygenation of model chemicals (guaiacol, syringol, creosol). The HDO process was carried out under mild experimental conditions at temperatures in the range from 90 to 130 °C and hydrogen pressures in the range from 25 to 60 bar. The catalytic tests revealed differences in the catalytic properties of the samples studied. The catalytic systems used assured highly efficient transformations of the examined molecules as well as high selectivity towards chemical compounds with lower O/C ratio and higher H/C ratio as compared to those in the initial substrates. High activity of the catalysts containing precious metals in the experimental conditions applied suggests their potential to improve bio-oil production for biofuels.