Feasibility of advancing the production of bio-jet fuel via microwave reactor under low reaction temperature

Catalytic reduction of oxygen-containing compounds in palm kernel oil has been studied under H2-free atmosphere condition using microwave system approach over Raney nickel and magnetite activated carbon-based catalysts. The role of porous structure and active O-containing groups of magnetite activated carbon (FeMo/ACB) catalyst during deoxygenation (DO) at 250 °C was investigated. Activated carbon catalysts, obtained from bamboo-derived biochar activation at 800 °C with KOH exhibited large surface area and O-containing group. With the introduction of the FeMo/ACB catalyst, the relative content of bio-jet fuel increased remarkably (∼80%) with the bio-jet fuel selectivity of ∼80%. Noted, the high DO activity also showed strong correlation with the presence of high acidic sites, high porosity and surface on the bamboo-derived carbon support, which in turn allows the active metals Fe-Mo to coat the ACB support thoroughly thus promoting a more efficient DO reaction. In addition, the FeMo/ACB catalyst showed excellent reusability over five consecutive cycles, with hydrocarbon fractions ranging from 62% to 80% and bio-jet fuel selectivity from 65% to 80% and minimum coke formation (< 2 wt%). [Display omitted] •Microwave assisted deoxygenation of palm kernel oil over raney nickel and carbon supported catalyst.•Microwave systems maximised the hydrocarbon yield and bio jet fuel selectivity.•Hydrocarbon production and bio jet fuel selectivity improved by the existence of polar solvent.•Acidity and surface area encouraged the elimination of oxygenates.