Utilization of Triglycerides and Related Feedstocks for Production of Clean Hydrocarbon Fuels and Petrochemicals: A Review

Catalytic deoxygenation of triglycerides and related feedstocks for production of biofuels is reviewed in this paper. Green diesel, triglyceride-based hydrocarbons in diesel boiling range, is an attractive alternative to biodiesel-a product of transesterification of vegetable oils, particularly due to its superior fuel properties and full compatibility with current diesel fuels. Two basic approaches to production of green diesel-(i) hydrodeoxygenation of triglycerides and related compounds over metal sulfide catalysts and (ii) deoxygenation over supported noble metal catalysts are thoroughly discussed from the point of view of reaction conditions, catalyst composition and reaction pathways and products. Furthermore, catalytic cracking of triglycerides and related feedstocks over microporous and mesoporous catalysts is reviewed as well. It constitutes an interesting alternative to deoxygenation using hydrotreating and noble metal catalysts as it does not consume hydrogen. It provides a wide spectrum of products reaching from olefins to green gasoline and diesel.