Preparation of jet fuel precursors from bio-oil via catalyzed directional carbonylation and C-C coupling reactions: Influence of reactant and catalyst properties

This study aims to produce oxygen-containing precursors for jet fuel through directed carbonylation and C-C coupling of aqueous bio-oil (AQBO), focusing on exploring the impact of the complex compositions in AQBO and the catalyst properties on reaction mechanisms in the preparation process. There are two major limitations among current research on the preparation of jet fuel precursors from biomass: first, most studies are based on model compounds of AQBO; second, the yield of jet fuel precursors is low. In this study, to address these limitations, the mechanisms of carbonylation and C-C coupling were investigated by mixing model compounds (furfural, acetone and butyraldehyde) in AQBO, and the relative peak area of the jet fuel precursor reached 89.6 % when 16 % furfural was mixed. The priority of the coupling reaction of aldehydes and ketones was described as follows: cycloketone with linear aldehyde > cycloketone with cycloketone > cycloketone with linear ketone. Based on the investigation of active sites in the composite catalyst for carbonylation and coupling reactions, we designed an improved catalyst using red mud (RM) as a bifunctional catalyst carrier. The efficient conversion of agricultural wastes and red mud into jet fuel is achieved, with the resulting products further serving as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) precursors, demonstrating potential for carbon intensity (CI) reduction and facilitating the valorization of low-value biomass and industrial residues.