Formation of Al₂O₂ supported Ni₂P based 3D catalyst for atmospheric deoxygenation of rubberwood sawdust

An ex-situ gravitational fixed bed pyrolysis reactor was used over Al₂O₃ supported Ni₂P based catalyst with various Ni/P molar ratios (0.5-2.0) and constant nickel loading of 5.37 mmol/g Al₂O₃ to determine the hydrodeoxygenation of rubberwood sawdust (RWS) at atmospheric pressure. The 3D catalysts formed were characterized structurally as well as acidic properties were determined by hydrogen-temperature programmed reduction (TPR). The Ni₂P phase formed completely on Al₂O₃ for 1.5 Ni/P ratio, although lesser crystallite sizes of Ni₂P were seen at Ni/P ratios less than 1.5. Additionally, it was shown that when nickel loading level increased, acidity increased and specific surface area dropped, probably because nickel phosphate is not easily converted to Ni₂P. When Ni/P ratio was 1.5, Ni₂P phase fully formed on Al₂O₃. The catalytic activity was explained in terms of impacts of reaction temperature and Ni/P molar ratio. At relatively high temperature of 450℃, the high-value deoxygenated produce was predominantly composed of n-alkanes. Based on the findings, it was suggested that hydrogenolysis, hydrodeoxygenation, dehydration, decarbonylation, and hydrogenation are all part of mechanism underlying hydrotreatment of RWS. In conclusion, the synthesized Ni₂P/ Al₂O₃ catalyst was capable of deoxygenating RWS with ease at atmospheric pressure, primarily resulting in long chained (C₉-C₂₄) hydrocarbons and acetic acid.