Optimisation of Propane Production from Hydrothermal Decarboxylation of Butyric Acid Using Pt/C Catalyst: Influence of Gaseous Reaction Atmospheres

The displacement and eventual replacement of fossil-derived fuel gases with biomass-derived alternatives can help the energy sector to achieve net zero by 2050. Decarboxylation butyric acid, which be obtained from biomass, produce high yields propane, a component liquefied petroleum gases. use different gaseous reaction atmospheres nitrogen, hydrogen, compressed air during catalytic hydrothermal conversion acid propane have been investigated in batch reactor within temperature range 200–350 °C. experimental results were statistically evaluated find optimum conditions via decarboxylation while minimizing other potential side reactions. revealed that nitrogen gas was most appropriate atmosphere control production under test between 250 °C 300 °C, highest hydrocarbon selectivity for up 97% achieved. Below this range, remained low three atmospheres. Above competing reactions became more significant. Under atmosphere, oxidation CO2 dominant, thermal cracking significant, producing both ethane methane as products. Interestingly, hydrogen hydrogenolytic leading multiple C–C bond cleavages main product at 350