Tuning the catalytic activity of ZIF-8 by Ni doping for the conversion of fatty acid to diesel range hydrocarbons in solventless condition

Despite the extensive advancements in catalysis, achieving a catalytically active material for an optimum deoxygenation reaction remains challenging. Herein, we developed a facile approach by introducing Nickel loading into Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks-8 (Ni@ZIF-8) via wet impregnation method as a catalyst for the conversion of fatty acids into hydrocarbons. This approach establishes interaction between metal and porous organic that acts as a functional pathway for creating highly effective and versatile catalyst materials. The tunable structure and composition of the Ni-loaded ZIF-8 enable the high catalytic performance of fatty acids conversion. Remarkably, Ni@ZIF-8 catalyst emerges as an exceptional catalyst, yielding 100 % of hydrocarbon products over palmitic acid and palm oil subjected to reaction temperature at 350 °C and 20 bar of H2 for 4 h in a solventless condition. By applying this catalyst, selectivity over 74 % and 92 % to diesel-range hydrocarbons from the catalytic conversion of palmitic acid and palm oil, respectively, was successfully achieved. Aside from the metal active sites possessing acid sites which promote the catalytic reaction, porous carbon in ZIFs also plays a pivotal role in the reaction through increasing the surface area of the catalyst system. This work addresses the catalytic activity of a potential material for practical applications across various fields particularly in sustainable energy production.