Asian Journal of Green Chemistry
3.8(Q2)
CiteScore
27
h-index

Bifunctional Biochar-Supported Catalysts for Efficient Hydrodeoxygenation of Pyrolytic Oil Derived from Oil Palm Shells

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Junifa Layla Sihombing
Ahmad Nasir Pulungan
Herlinawati Herlinawati
Tiara Ramadhani
Sella Naomi Br Sinaga
Salaisa Salaisa
Dika Fahreza
Muhammad Fatra Arganda Saragih

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Medan, Jl.Willem Iskandar Pasar V Medan Estate, Medan 20221, Indonesia

10.48309/ajgc.2026.552702.1846
Abstract
This study examines the efficacy of bifunctional biochar-based catalysts in the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of pyrolytic bio-oil from oil palm shells. Biochar was produced via pyrolysis and modified with Co-Mo and Ni-Mo to enhance catalytic effectiveness. Characterization revealed that activation increased the biochar's surface area significantly from 10.597 m²/g to 218.964 m²/g, although metal impregnation caused a slight reduction. The HDO process in a fixed-bed reactor showed optimal results at 300 °C, with varying liquid product yields for different catalysts. GC-MS analysis indicated a reduction in oxygenated compounds post-HDO, with specific catalysts achieving notable hydrocarbon formation and selectivity towards phenols. The upgraded bio-oil demonstrated enhanced physicochemical properties, making it more suitable as a biofuel. The study emphasizes the potential of biochar-supported bimetallic catalysts in bio-oil upgrading, highlighting the advantages of Co-Mo/A-Biochar and Ni-Mo/A-Biochar. These results illustrate the viability of palm shell waste in sustainable biofuel production, addressing environmental and energy concerns.

Graphical Abstract

Bifunctional Biochar-Supported Catalysts for Efficient Hydrodeoxygenation of Pyrolytic Oil Derived from Oil Palm Shells

Keywords

Bimetallic catalysts
Activated biochar
Hydrodeoxygenation
Oil palm shells
Pyrolytic oil

Subjects

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Asian Journal of Green Chemistry

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 25 January 2026

  • Receive Date 14 October 2025
  • Revise Date 26 December 2025
  • Accept Date 22 January 2026

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