Synthesis of Ni Catalyst Supported on SiO2-ZrO2 Binary Oxide for Hydrodeoxygenation of Phenol

Hydrodeoxygenation is a one-step reaction that involve the hydrogenation of unsaturated carbon followed with the deoxygenation of the carbon-oxygen bond. This reaction is effective for converting biomass-derived chemicals from bio-oils, fats, woods, and lignocellulosic materials into biofuels using metal-based oxide catalysts. A Ni based-metal oxide catalyst is reported for hydrodeoxygenation reaction of phenol. The catalyst was prepared by a wet-impregnation method using Ni(NO3)(2)center dot 6H(2)O dissolved in deionized water and mixed with the previously prepared SiO2-ZrO2 binary oxide as support. After calcination and reduction at 500 degrees C, Ni/SiO2-ZrO2 catalyst was obtained. The XRD results showed 2 theta peaks for metallic Ni at 30 degrees, 44 degrees and 76 degrees. Additional peaks were detected at 2 theta = 35 degrees, 50 degrees, 51 degrees, and 60 degrees for ZrO2 tetragonal phase. However, peaks were not detected for SiO2 suggesting amorphous SiO2-ZrO2 composite formation. The XRF analysis of Ni loading was detected at 16.45%. The catalyst activity test for hydrodeoxygenation of phenol was performed using a batch reactor at 200 degrees C for 2 h and 8 h. The GC-MS analysis gave product conversion for 2 h at 16.84% with the selectivity formation of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone at 48.10% and 45.78% yield, respectively. After a prolonged reaction time of 8 h, 100% selectivity for cyclohexanol was achieved. Product distribution showed that the catalyst is active for hydrogenation of benzene better than -OH or C=O deoxygenation. The results suggest Ni/SiO2-ZrO2 could be a potential catalyst for biofuel production via hydrogenation reaction.