Production of renewable aviation fuel range alkanes from algae oil

Abstract

Jet fuels produced from sources other than petroleum are receiving considerable attention since they offer the potential to diversify energy supplies while mitigating the net environmental impact of aviation. Here we report a novel single-step catalytic process for the production of jet fuel range alkanes from a renewable oil source, algae oil. The catalyst materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, surface area and pore size measurements. The feedstock and the product hydrocarbons were characterized using gas chromatography. We discuss the effect of temperature, pressure, time, catalyst type and quantity on feedstock cracking quality and selectivity. The results show that Ce exchanged zeolite β shows higher selectivity towards C10–C14 hydrocarbons at elevated temperatures and pressures. A high liquid product mass conversion of 98% was obtained at a temperature and reaction pressure of 400 °C and 400 psi, respectively. Selectivity was 85% for cracking algae oil on 4% Ce exchanged zeolite β and thus the catalyst shows promise for the synthesis of aviation range hydrocarbons for future large scale bio-jet fuel production.