Converting Algal Triglycerides to Distillate Fuels: Deoxygenation to Alkanes

Single pass conversion of algal triglycerides to processable n-alkanes was effectively accomplished using a 3% Pd/carbon catalyst in a fixed bed reactor over a period approaching 200 hours.  During that period, catalyst activity actually increased and selectivity changed such that total reduction became the predominant deoxygenation pathway.