Metal carbides, phosphides, and nitrides for biomass conversion

Abstract

Metal carbides, phosphides, and nitrides provide a significant opportunity for catalyst tuning by choice of ligand and composition. With new methods of preparation that reduce synthesis temperature and control particle growth, these materials are now available as well dispersed, high surface area nanoparticles. These breakthroughs have led to their application as alternative catalysts for the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of bio-oil, a key technology for future biorefineries. The new catalysts have high activity and selectivity for HDO, but because they are oxophilic, O adsorption occurs during reaction. Recent studies show that the specific activity of Mo2C does not change significantly as a consequence of O adsorption; whereas, HDO selectivity decreases as the metallic character of the Mo is reduced in the presence of O. Similar studies are needed to assess the impact of O on metal phosphides and nitrides, while the activity of these materials in the presence of the many components present in bio-oil remains to be determined.