Acidity and basicity of metal oxide-based catalysts in catalytic cracking of vegetable oil

Abstract

Metal oxides, which are known as the active phase with acid–base and redox properties, exhibited relatively good performance in catalytic cracking of vegetable oil for green fuel production. Incorporation of metal oxide to the catalyst’s base altered its selectivity for the reaction pathways to produce ranges of hydrocarbons in diesel, kerosene and gasoline fuel fractions. This paper reviews the influence of metal oxide-based catalysts in catalytic cracking of vegetable oil and the role of metal oxides on its catalyst activity. The relationship between the metal oxides’ acid/base properties and the selectivity of the catalyst towards the reaction route and product yield was discussed. The impact of the factors such as catalyst or metal loading, contact time and temperature on the reaction efficiency and product properties were also included in the discussion.