Selective Decarbonylation of Fatty Acids over the PtCo3Nx@NC Catalyst to Produce Long-Chain Olefins

The decarbonylation of fatty acids presents a promising method for synthesizing sustainable long-chain olefins. However, the development of catalysts that combine satisfactory efficiency and selectivity for fatty acid decarbonylation still encounters challenges. In this study, we developed an N-doped carbon-supported PtCo bimetallic catalyst for fatty acid decarbonylation. Employing stearic acid as a substrate, we achieved a combined heptadecene selectivity of 64.4% and a total hydrocarbon selectivity of 95.7% alongside a stearic acid conversion rate of 83.1%. The superior performance of the PtCo3Nx@NC catalyst can be attributed to the formation and influence of the Pt–CoNx interface, characterized by unique electronic and geometric properties that underlie bimetallic synergy. This research introduces new avenues for the decarbonylation of fatty acids, offering an environmentally friendly approach to producing long-chain olefins from biomass.