Thermal conversion of cellulose over NiCo@NC nanocatalysts for producing oxygenated precursors of aviation fuel

NiCo@NC nanocatalysts were synthesized and employed for low-carbon alcohols. • The optimal reaction conditions of cellulose catalytic hydrogenolysis were systematically explored. • The ethanol yield (34.8 wt%) was achieved under the optimal reaction conditions. • The reaction route and mechanism of cellulose catalytic hydrogenolysis were analyzed. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), as an alternative to conventional fossil-based aviation fuels, has garnered widespread attention and considerable research, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Alcohols, as important oxygenated precursors, can be employed for the production of SAF. Here, the MOF nanocatalysts (NiCo@NC) were effectively synthesized and employed to catalyze cellulose into alcohols. The different catalysts and reaction conditions during catalytic hydrogenolysis of cellulose were systematically explored. The optimal reaction conditions for the NiCo@NC-catalyzed hydrogenolysis of cellulose to produce alcohols were identified, and the highest yield (34.8 wt%) of ethanol was obtained at a hydrogen pressure of 5 MPa, a reaction temperature of 210 °C, and a reaction time of 5 h, respectively, with 100% conversion of cellulose. The main formation pathway of alcohols was analyzed and explored. This work provides a potential conversion route for the production of alcohols. Download: Download high-res image (223KB) Download: Download full-size image