Deoxygenation Reaction Using a Bimetallic Ni-Ru Catalyst Supported on Bio-Carbon Derived from Date Seeds for Renewable Fuel Production
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64354/kg4n2232Keywords:
Deoxygenation; green diesel; Palm oil; Impregnation; Date seedsAbstract
The urgent need for clean energy is driving scientists to find renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. In this work, we converted agricultural waste into a useful material by using activated carbon derived from date stones (DS) as a green catalyst support. We prepared three types: Ni/DS, Ru/DS, and a two-metal combination, Ni-Ru/DS, all prepared using the simple wet impregnation method. To understand their structure, we characterized them using standard techniques, including XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDX, BET, and TEM. Then, we put them to work in breaking down palm oil to make green diesel. The results were highly encouraging. The two-metal Ni-Ru/DS catalyst easily outperformed the others. Under optimal conditions 350 °C, a 3-hour reaction time, and 5 wt.% catalyst—it achieved an impressive 94% hydrocarbon yield. It also produced a 79.72% kerosene fraction and showed a 65.35% selectivity for bio-jet fuel. Analysis of the final products using GC-MS and GC-FID confirmed high hydrocarbon concentrations and the near-complete removal of oxygen. Additionally, the catalyst proved very durable. We ran it through multiple reaction cycles and observed only a minimal drop in its overall performance.
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