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Virginia Tech

Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of Bio-Oil Model Compounds (Ethanol, 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran) over Supported Transition Metal Phosphides

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The objective of this project is to investigate hydrodeoxygenation (HDO), a crucial step in the treatment of bio-oil, on transition metal phosphide catalysts. The study focuses on reactions of simple oxygenated compounds present in bio-oil -- ethanol and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF). The findings from this project provide fundamental knowledge towards the hydrodeoxygenation of more complex bio-oil compounds. Ultimately, the knowledge contributes to the design of optimum catalysts for upgrading bio-oil. A series of transition metal phosphides was prepared and tested; however, the focus was on Ni2P/SiO2. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed reduction and desorption (TPR and TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and chemisorption were used. In situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to monitor the surface of Ni2P during various experiments such as: CO and pyridine adsorption and transient state of ethanol and 2-MTHF reactions. The use of these techniques allowed for a better understanding of the role of the catalyst during deoxygenation.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Ph. D.
Level thesis:degree_level
doctoral
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Chemical Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Chemical Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2013

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Bui, Phuong Phuc Nam
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Cox, David F.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Oyama, Shigeo Ted
  • Liu, Yih-An
  • Walz, John Y.

Subjects

dc:subject × 6

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
vt_gsexam:288
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/52641

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Bui, Phuong Phuc Nam. Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of Bio-Oil Model Compounds (Ethanol, 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran) over Supported Transition Metal Phosphides. doctoral thesis, Virginia Tech, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/52641