Cu, Al and Ga based metal organic framework catalysts for the decarboxylation of oleic acid

Abstract

Herein we demonstrate the catalytic decarboxylation and conversion of oleic acid to paraffins and hydrocarbons over bare and Pt supported Cu, Al and Ga based metal organic frameworks. Moderate degrees of decarboxylation were observed for all metal organic framework catalysts. The incorporation of Pt with the porous frameworks resulted in high degrees of decarboxylation. All MOF catalysts showed high thermal stability, resulting in recyclable catalysts displaying low catalytic activity loss. Of all studied catalysts, Ga-MOF catalysts were the most effective catalysts, displaying moderate to high degrees of decarboxylation. In addition, the Pt–Ga-MOF catalyst displayed selectivity to heptadecane, an important industrial chemical. Octadecane, heptadecane, dodecane, undecane, decane, nonane, octane, and heptane were observed as the main side products. To our best knowledge, the catalytic ability of a metal organic framework both as catalyst and support for the decarboxylation of a model fatty acid molecule is reported for the first time.