Conversão de compostos fenólicos em bio-hidrocarbonetos

Abstract

In this work, three Pd, Ru, and Ni catalysts impregnated in NbOPO4 were developed and evaluated for the conversion of phenolic compounds from eucalyptus wood pyrolysis bio-oil and cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) into hydrocarbons. The catalysts were characterized by various techniques (XPS, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, H2-TPR, and XRD) and tested in hydrodeoxygenation reactions in the solvent-free approach. The formation of large RuO2 nanocrystals was observed in the Ru/NbOPO4 catalyst, with morphologies similar to nanorods, nanoneedles, and nanostars, which may have influenced the high hydrogenation activity. In turn, the NiPNb catalyst demonstrated excellent metal dispersion, which resulted in high transalkylation activity. The catalytic tests in this thesis demonstrated the high performance of the developed catalysts, achieving complete conversion of phenolic compounds from CNSL and bio-oil into hydrocarbons. It was observed that controlling the reaction conditions, Ru loading, and catalyst mass allowed the composition of the products to be directed, selectively favoring the formation of alkylphenols or cycloalkanes. Adjusting the Ru loading in the catalyst proved to be essential for preventing and controlling coke formation and metal leaching. The combination of the Ru/NbOPO4 catalyst with Hβ zeolite proved to be efficient in tandem hydrodeoxygenation, isomerization, and cracking processes, promoting the production of linear and branched hydrocarbons, cycloalkanes, and alkenes suitable for use as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). For the first time, the production of a SAF fraction from CNSL with physicochemical properties like those of fossil aviation kerosene has been reported. In addition to introducing novel catalysts and presenting significant results, this thesis highlights the potential of the proposed processes for industrial decarbonization, contributing significantly to the energy transition and the valorization of phenolic waste (lignocellulosic biomass), as well as to its integration into the global energy matrix.