LAUSR

Abstract Ni-based catalysts supported on γ-Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 were prepared by impregnation. Catalyst characterization was performed using XRD, NH 3 -TPD, H 2 -TPR and chemisorption. Effects of supports on catalytic performance were tested using the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of phenolic compounds as a model reaction. Experiment result shows that single phenolic compounds can be converted via HDO reaction over Ni/SiO 2 and Ni/γ-Al 2 O 3 catalysts at 300 °C. The hydrocarbon yields are in the range of 60–90%. The effect of supports on the reaction mechanism was also explored. It is found that hydrogenation of the aromatic ring preferentially occurs over Ni/SiO 2 catalyst while the cleavage of C AR O bond preferentially occurs over Ni/γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst in the HDO of phenol. Compared to Ni/γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst, Ni/SiO 2 catalyst exhibits better repeatability and higher catalytic activity for hydrocarbon yield when mixed phenolic compounds were used as feedstock in the HDO reaction, and the carbon deposited on the surface of Ni/SiO 2 catalyst is lower.