Mesoporous microspherical NiO catalysts for the deoxygenation of oleic acid

Abstract

Mesoporous NiO catalysts were synthesized via surfactant assisted self-assembly employing structure directing agents CTAB and P123. The resultant catalysts had similar chemical composition but different physical properties including mesoporous ordering, surface area, and pore size. The mesoporous oxides were used as catalysts in the deoxygenation of oleic acid to heptadecane. The catalysts synthesized with P123 displayed the highest yields to heptadecane (63%) tripling the performance of commercial NiO (19%). A phase change from NiO to Ni was observed during the deoxygenation reaction. The recyclability of the catalyst synthesized with P123 was evaluated.