Hierarchical catalysts with controllable C?C and C?O bond activation ability for selective hydrogenation of oleic acid

Hierarchical Y/SBA-15 meso-microporous composites (YS- x ) and corresponding highly dispersed catalysts (Ni/YS- x ) were prepared and applied to the production of jet fuel range hydrocarbons by the selective hydrogenation of oleic acid. Small particle size and electron-deficient Ni δ+ are detrimental to the C  C bond activation of the η 1 (C)-acyl conformation and inhibit the decarbonylation/decarboxylation pathway. Besides, the activation ability of the C  C bond is regulated to avoid excessive cleavage by the acidity and diffusion properties of the hierarchical Ni/YS- x catalysts, thus affecting their hydroisomerization and hydrocracking properties. The abundant acid sites are beneficial to the selective activation of the C  O bond of the η 2 (C, O)-aldehyde conformation and the promotion of the reductive deoxygenation pathway. The optimal Ni/YS-1 shows the highest iso / n -alkane ratio ( i / n = 6.26) and superior jet fuel range hydrocarbons yield (48.8%, 340°C), which is a benefit from its outstanding acid–metal balance and worthy diffusion property.