Continuous-flow hydroprocessing of long-chain fatty acids: reaction pathways and the impact of lignin-derived aromatics towards efficient deoxygenation

Abstract

This study establishes oleic acid reaction pathways under long-term continuous-flow hydroprocessing, highlighting the metal and acid sites roles for efficient deoxygenation. At industrially relevant conversions, guaiacol co-feeding, despite accelerating catalyst deactivation, largely preserved the oleic acid-derived fingerprint (83 wt. % of the organic fraction) with mixed-origin products accounting for the remainder. These findings allow tailoring sustainable aviation fuel composition while diversifying non-conventional feedstocks.