Hydrothermal Deoxygenation of Triglycerides over Pd/C aided by In Situ Hydrogen Production from Glycerol Reforming

A one-pot catalytic hydrolysis-deoxygenation reaction for the conversion of unsaturated triglycerides and free fatty acids to linear paraffins and olefins is reported. The hydrothermal deoxygenation reactions are performed in hot compressed water at 250 degrees C over a Pd/C catalyst in the absence of external H-2. We show that aqueous-phase reforming (APR) of glycerol and subsequent water-gas-shift reaction result in the insitu formation of H-2. While this has a significant positive effect on the deoxygenation activity, the product selectivity towards high-value, long-chain olefins remains high.