Catalytic vapor phase upgrading (VPU) of bio-oil is a promising technology for improving the overall efficiency of chemical production from biomass. In this process, fast pyrolysis vapor undergoes deoxygenation prior to condensation, thus reducing strain on subsequent hydroprocessing steps. Among the state-of-the-art catalytic systems are zeolites (ZSM-5), supported precious metals (Pt, Pd, Ru, Re), and molybdenum carbides (Mo2C). The latter is of special interest thanks to not only their low cost but also selectivity toward more valuable, unsaturated hydrocarbon products. Yet, several challenges related to VPU of bio-oil over Mo2C catalysts exist, and particularly deactivation caused by stronlgy-bound surface intermediates such as oxygen. By doping Mo2C surface with a single Ni atom, we have observed, from our previous work, a reduction in surface oxygen binding strength which leads to facile oxygen removal via water formation. In this follow-up study, modified Mo2C systems of various dopant types and concentrations as well as several Mo-based bimetallic carbides have been investigated in order to suggest an optimal catalyst design for VPU of bio-oil.

Toward the optimal design of molybdenum carbide catalysts for vapor phase upgrading of bio-oil

2019 Fall National Meeting

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