Comparing Thermal-Cracking and Catalytic Hydrocracking in the Presence of Rh and Ru Catalysts to Produce Liquid Hydrocarbons from Vegetable Oils

We describe herein the production of liquid hydrocarbons through the catalytic hydrocracking of soybean, palm tree and castor oils, in the presence and absence of ruthenium and rhodium nanoparticle catalysts. The reaction at 200 ºC leads to the hydrogenation of C=C double bonds only. However, at 400 ºC, the decomposition of the triacylglycerides was observed, leading to hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds. The catalyzed hydrocracking of vegetable oils in the presence of Rh and Ru strongly increased the amount of deoxygenated products and the formation of long-chain linear hydrocarbons, which are suitable for use as diesel fuel, when compared with pyrolysis reaction in the absence of the catalysts. The Ru catalyst is more effective than Rh, especially in the case of castor oil, probably due to its higher oxophilicity when compared to Rh.

hydrocracking; vegetable oil; rhodium; ruthenium; bio-oil; biomass