2026/07/14 by Suya Yin, Xujing Tang, Liyi Dai +1
Engineering · #Catalysis for Biomass Conversion #Biodiesel Production and Applications #Catalysis and Hydrodesulfurization Studies
paper · doi:10.1016/j.fuproc.2026.108540
The synthesis of bio-jet fuel precursors from biomass platform compounds through aldol condensation is a crucial step in the production of aviation liquid fuels. However, current catalytic systems still face several urgent challenges, such as low conversion, single catalytic site, and the tendency of the catalyst to leach out and deactivate. In this study, we developed an amino-functionalized alkaline γ -Al₂O₃ catalyst (SA 10 -xTES) by grafting 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (TES) for the synthesis of bio-jet fuel precursors from biomass platform compounds furfural (FA) and acetone via aldol condensation. The modified catalysts were comprehensively characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The SA 10 -6TES catalyst achieved the highest FA conversion (99.14%) and total yield (96.09%) toward the condensation products C₈ (FAc) and C₁₃ (F₂Ac) at a relatively low temperature (90 °C) within 2 h. Moreover, it still exhibited a high conversion rate after multiple cycles of use. This was attributed to the acid-base synergy generated by the unique active sites of the SA 10 -6TES catalyst, which effectively promotes C C bond formation between FA and acetone. In addition, the kinetics of the condensation reaction over SA 10 -6TES and the reaction mechanism of C C bond formation, as determined by In-situ FT-IR, were investigated. Finally, to make rational use of the activity of SA 10 -6TES, different carbonyl compounds were used to extend the carbon chain length of platform compounds (C 8 -C₁₅), and SA 10 -6TES showed excellent broad - spectrum applicability.