Hydrothermal Deoxygenation of Triglycerides over Pd/C aided by In Situ Hydrogen Production from Glycerol Reforming

A one‐pot catalytic hydrolysis–deoxygenation reaction for the conversion of unsaturated triglycerides and free fatty acids to linear paraffins and olefins is reported. The hydrothermal deoxygenation reactions are performed in hot compressed water at 250 °C over a Pd/C catalyst in the absence of external H2. We show that aqueous–phase reforming (APR) of glycerol and subsequent water–gas‐shift reaction result in the in situ formation of H2. While this has a significant positive effect on the deoxygenation activity, the product selectivity towards high‐value, long‐chain olefins remains high. With a little H2elp from my friends: A one‐pot hydrolysis–deoxygenation reaction for triglycerides and free fatty acids, which is of particular interest for the production of biofuels and value‐added chemicals from nonedible or waste fats and oils, is reported. The reaction is performed over palladium on carbon (Pd/C) at 250 °C without additional H2. Instead, in situ H2 production occurs through glycerol reforming and subsequent water–gas‐shift reaction with a positive effect on the deoxygenation activity.