Development of a Mesoporous Silica-Supported Layered Double Hydroxide Catalyst for the Reduction of Oxygenated Compounds in E. grandis Fast Pyrolysis Oils

Biomass fast pyrolysis oil is a potential renewable alternative to fossil fuels, but its viability constrained by corrosiveness, low higher heating value and instability, caused high oxygenate concentrations. A few studies have outlined layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as possible catalysts for the improvement of biomass characteristics. In this study, goal was reduce concentration oxygen-rich compounds in E. grandis oils using CaAl- MgAl- LDHs. The LDHs were supported mesoporous silica, synthesised at different pHs obtain pore sizes (3.3 4.8 nm) surface areas (up 600 m2/g). effects support use investigated. GC/MS results revealed that MgAl-LDH significantly reduced concentrations ketones oxygenated aromatics electrostatic precipitator increased aliphatics. CaAl-LDH had opposite effect. There little effect on heat exchanger oils, suggesting there greater extent conversion lighter compounds. Bomb calorimetry also showed marked increase values (16.2 22.5 MJ/kg) when MgAl-LDH. It found silica pH 7 most effective, likely due intermediate average width (4 nm).