Feasibility of advancing the production of bio-jet fuel via microwave reactor under low reaction temperature

Catalytic reduction of oxygen-containing compounds in palm kernel oil has been studied under H 2 -free atmosphere condition using microwave system approach over Raney nickel and magnetite activated carbon-based catalysts. The role of porous structure and active O-containing groups of magnetite activated carbon (FeMo/AC B ) catalyst during deoxygenation (DO) at 250 °C was investigated. Activated carbon catalysts, obtained from bamboo-derived biochar activation at 800 °C with KOH exhibited large surface area and O-containing group. With the introduction of the FeMo/AC B catalyst, the relative content of bio-jet fuel increased remarkably (∼80%) with the bio-jet fuel selectivity of ∼80%. Noted, the high DO activity also showed strong correlation with the presence of high acidic sites, high porosity and surface on the bamboo-derived carbon support, which in turn allows the active metals Fe-Mo to coat the AC B support thoroughly thus promoting a more efficient DO reaction. In addition, the FeMo/AC B catalyst showed excellent reusability over five consecutive cycles, with hydrocarbon fractions ranging from 62% to 80% and bio-jet fuel selectivity from 65% to 80% and minimum coke formation (< 2 wt%). • Microwave assisted deoxygenation of palm kernel oil over raney nickel and carbon supported catalyst. • Microwave systems maximised the hydrocarbon yield and bio jet fuel selectivity. • Hydrocarbon production and bio jet fuel selectivity improved by the existence of polar solvent. • Acidity and surface area encouraged the elimination of oxygenates.