Selective hydroconversion of oleic acid into aviation fuel range alkanes over the ultrathin Ni/ZSM-5 nanosheets

Ultrathin Ni/ZSM-5 nanosheet catalysts with different acid concentration, B/L (Bronsted/Lewis acid sites) ratio and nanosheet thickness are designed for the hydroconversion of oleic acid into aviation fuel range alkanes (AFRA). The role of acid concentration/distribution and nanosheet thickness was investigated. High acid concentration enhances HDO reaction and intrinsic deoxygenation activity due to the synergistic effect between acid sites and metal sites. Selective cracking reaction can be enhanced by tailoring nanosheet thickness and acid distribution. Thin nanosheet favors isomerization, selective cracking reaction as well as the generation of central branched isomers. External acid sites dominate the primary cracking and central C-C cracking of the deoxygenated products, but internal acid sites promote the deeper cracking and terminal C-C cracking. Formation of aromatics is thoroughly suppressed at low reaction temperature (≤ 533 K). And a high AFRA yield of 41.4% is achieved over the 3nm nanosheet ...