Reduction of trans fatty acids in hydrogenated soybean oil using Ni/TiO2 catalysts

The effects of the support on the catalytic performance of supported Ni catalysts for the hydrogenation of soybean oil were examined. The turnover frequency (TOF) for Ni/TiO2 was greater than those for other Ni catalysts. Among the examined Ni catalysts, the Ni/TiO2 catalysts were effective for the reduction of trans fatty acid (TFA) levels (minimum 10.5%) in hydrogenated oils at an iodine value (IV) of 70, independent of the difference in the crystalline structure of TiO2. In addition, the oils hydrogenated by Ni/TiO2 had suitable properties for feedstock of margarine and vegetable shortening. The highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles formed by reduction of the NiO monolayer on the surface of TiO2 contribute to increasing the catalytic activity and to reducing the TFA levels.