Catalytic processes for the production of hydrocarbon biofuels from oil and fatty raw materials: Contemporary approaches

The scientific and technical achievements made during the last 15 years in the deoxygenation processes for the production of hydrocarbon biofuels from oil and fatty raw materials are reviewed. The most advanced methods for the processing of triglycerides into hydrocarbons are associated with the use of pyrolysis, catalytic cracking, and hydrotreatment processes similar to those already used at petrochemical plants and oil refineries. The hydrotreatment technologies, which have already been adopted or ready for industrial application, are considered in more details. Nonsulphide catalysts for the single-stage production of waxy diesel fractions from vegetable oils and combined technologies are promising for reducing the consumption of hydrogen and increasing the yield of hydrocarbon products and the flexibility in obtaining different types of fuel.