Electronic Structure Modulation and Enhanced Metal Dispersion of Ni/ZSM-5 Nanocatalyst via Microwave-Assisted Synthesis for Palm Oil Hydrotreatment to Bio-jet Fuel
摘要
This study reports the microwave-assisted synthesis of Ni/ZSM-5 nanocatalysts via a combined spray-dry impregnation and aging method for palm oil hydrotreatment to produce bio-jet fuel. Microwave irradiation provides rapid and homogeneous volumetric heating, strengthening metal-support interactions, promoting uniform Ni nanoparticle distribution, and minimizing pore blockage during precursor decomposition. Catalyst properties were characterized using FTIR, XRD, SAA, SEM–EDX, XRF, NH3-TPD, XPS, TEM, and TGA, while reaction products were analyzed by GC–MS. The microwave-prepared catalyst Ni/Z MW exhibits a specific surface area of 238.81 m2 g⁻1 and a total pore volume of 0.21 cm3 g⁻1, higher than the parent ZSM-5 and conventionally synthesized Ni/Z C. TEM images show well-dispersed Ni nanoparticles with an average size of 15.42 ± 3.17 nm. XPS analysis reveals a positive shift in the Ni 2p3/2 binding energy to 853.67 ± 0.01 eV compared with 853.59 ± 0.01 eV for Ni/Z C, indicating electron-deficient Niδ⁺ species and strengthened metal-support interactions. Acidity analysis shows weak, medium, and strong acid site concentrations of 0.664, 0.945, and 0.201 mmol g⁻1. Under atmospheric pressure at 400–475 °C, Ni/Z MW achieves a bio-jet fuel yield of 38.43% with stable performance over five cycles.
Graphical Abstract