Enhanced aquathermolysis of heavy oil catalysed by bentonite supported Fe(III) complex in the present of ethanol

Abstract BACKGROUND Previous research on the aquathermolysis of heavy oil has ignored the relationship between exogenous catalysts and in‐situ inorganic minerals when the reaction temperature is high. RESULTS A series of bentonite‐supported transition metal complexes was synthesized and used in the aquathermolysis of heavy oil; among them, B@Fe(III)L was the most effective one. Under optimal conditions, 0.5% catalyst and 10% ethanol reacted at 250 °С for 4 h can reduce the viscosity of heavy oil by 84.5%. elemental analysis (EL), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), group composition, and analysis show that the catalyst enhances the destruction process of resin and asphaltene, promotes the more complete cracking reaction of most macromolecular components, and increases the proportion of light fraction of heavy oil. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis also indicated that B@Fe(III)L can help to decrease the polar substances in heavy oil and reduce the aromaticity of polar substances. CONCLUSION The B@Fe(III)L prepared can enhance the destruction process of resin and asphaltene, promote the more complete cracking reaction of most macromolecular components, and increase the proportion of light fraction of heavy oil, thereby reducing the viscosity of heavy oil. Therefore, B@Fe(III)L can achieve efficient in‐situ viscosity reduction, and this work promotes related research and applications in this field. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).