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Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped porous carbon materials with excellent electrochemical performance were prepared using a one-step carbonization and activation method.

A hierarchical porous zeolite Y (HPZY) supported Ni–Co catalyst was prepared by pyrolyzing nickel tetracarbonyl and using modified deposition-precipitation to highly disperse Ni–Co nanoparticles onto HPZY. Hecaogou subbituminous coal was effectively ethanolyzed to obtain ethanol-soluble portion (ESPE) in a high yield (21.2%). Sequentially, ESPE was subjected to the deep hydroconversion (DHC) over prepared Ni10%-Co3%/HPZY at 150 °C under 4 MPa of initial hydrogen pressure for 24 h in n-heptane to produce deeply hydroconverted ethanol-soluble portion (ESPDHC). All the group components in ESPE, including arenes (53.3%), oxygen-containing organic compounds (24.4%), and nitrogen-containing aromatics (2.3%) were completely converted to chain alkanes (CAs, 36.8%), cyclanes (39.2%), and hydroarenes (24.0%). In addition, the hydroisomerization of CAs and hydroreforming of aromatic rings (ARs) in ESPDHC are predominant over Ni10%-Co3%/HPZY with more accessibility of active sites under mild conditions. Ni10%-Co3%/HPZY with suitable acidity and highly dispersed Ni–Co nanoparticles can effectively activate H2 to H⋯H and further heterogeneously split H⋯H to H+ and H−. H⋯H and H+ transfer plays crucial roles in the DHC of ESPE. Correspondingly, the related mechanisms are evidenced by the DHC of 2,2′-oxydinaphthalene (ODN) over Ni–Co/HPZY. Ni10%-Co3%/HPZY maintains high activity for the DHC of ODN under mild conditions after 4 recycles.

A supported nickle catalyst was prepared by loading ca. 11% of nickel nanoparticles (NNPs) on mesoporous zeolite Y (MZY) and denoted as Ni11%/MZY. A straw was methanolyzed at 300 °C to obtain methanol-soluble portion as a straw-derived bio-oil (SDBO) in the yield of 19.3%. According to the analysis with a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, SDBO consists of arenes (7.8%), oxygen-containing organic compounds (82.8%), nitrogen-containing organic compounds (6.3%), and sulfur-containing organic compounds (3.1%). It was subjected to catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) over Ni11%/MZY in n-hexane under 5 MPa of initial hydrogen pressure (IHP) at 160 °C for 16 h. As a result, all the compounds in SDBO were converted to chain alkanes (60.1%) and cyclanes (39.9%). In Ni11%/MZY, uniformly dispersed NNPs and strong Lewis acid sites in the defective crystal texture of MYZ play crucial roles in hydrogenating aromatic rings and removing heteroatoms (HAs), respectively. Benzyloxybenzene (BOB) was used as a lignin-related model compound. The main product from the CHC of BOB over Ni11%/MZY in n-hexane under 5 MPa of IHP at 160 °C for 2 h is methylcyclohexane in the yield of 90.9%, indicating that both hydrogenation of benzene rings and deoxygenation significantly proceeded. After being recycled 4 times, Ni11%/MZY is still active for the CHC of BOB.

Low-temperature coal tar (LTCT) is a sticky liquid mixture produced mainly from coal pyrolysis, which contains various value-added chemicals (VACs). Liquid-liquid extraction is considered as one of the green and effective ways to explore the organic composition and separate the VACs from LTCT. Herein, petroleum ether, methanol, and carbon disulfide were used to extract arenols from a LTCT. As a result, the relative content and absolute content of arenols extracted from the LTCT are ca. 96.3% and 85.9%, respectively. Among them, p-cresol is predominant, accounting for 22.2%. The isolated contents of arenols are up to 84.6%. Moreover, a kilogram-scale operation was carried out under the same conditions, which offers a potential application in industrial production.

A biochar (BC)-supported non-noble metal catalyst CoMoSxOy@BC was prepared by in-situ co-pyrolysis and ex-situ sulfurization, and a two-step conversion (TSC) strategy, including H2-controlled catal...

Two attapulgite powder (AP)-supported nickel catalysts were prepared by thermally decomposing nickel tetracarbonyl onto AP in a laboratory (L-Ni/AP) and in a factory (F–Ni/AP). The Ni nanoparticles...

A novel and highly active zeolite Y/ZSM-5 composite zeolite (CZ)-supported nickel catalyst (Ni/CZ with 10% of Ni loading) was prepared by modified deposition–precipitation to uniformly disperse Ni ...

Highly selective hydrogenation of furfural to furan-2-ylmethanol (FM) in isopropanol was achieved over a novel magnetic Cu–Co/C derived from zeolitic imidazolate frameworks prepared by galvanic replacement reaction. Furfural conversion and FM selectivity (FMS) are 100% and 97.2%, respectively, at 200 °C. FMS was held around 95% after 5-times recycle of the Cu–Co/C. In addition, cinnamaldehyde was completely converted with 96.8% of phenylpropanol selectivity over the Cu–Co/C at 150 °C.

A highly active difunctional Ni-Mg2Si/γ-Al2O3 was prepared by thermally decomposing nickel tetracarbonyl onto γ-Al2O3 impregnated with Mg2Si. The non-catalytic hydroconversion (NCHC) and catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) of the extract (E) and extraction residue (ER) from Yinggemajianfeng lignite were investigated over Ni-Mg2Si/γ-Al2O3 at 240 °C in n-hexane. Benzyloxybenzene and oxybis(methylene)dibenzene were used as lignite-related model compounds to speculate the possible mechanisms for the catalytic hydrocracking and hydrogenation over Ni-Mg2Si/γ-Al2O3. As a result, more organic matter in ER was converted to soluble portion (SP) by the CHC than by the NCHC. The main SP from the CHC are chain alkanes and cyclanes, while that from the NCHC is rich in arenes and oxygen-containing organic compounds. The results indicate that Ni-Mg2Si/γ-Al2O3 effectively catalyze the hydrocracking of >Calk–O– linkages and the hydrogenation of aromatic rings in E and ER.

A highly active mordenite (M)-supported nickel catalyst Ni/M was prepared via a modified deposition-percipitation and used for catalyzing hydroconversion of ethanol-soluble portion (ESP) from the ethanolysis of Dahuangshan lignite. The Ni nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed on the support without apparent agglomeration. Moreover, the number and yields of the species detected in ESP are obviously different from those detected in catalytically hydrogenated ESP (CHESP). The contents of aromatic ring (AR)-containing compounds and/or heteroatom-containing compounds (HACCs, some of which also contain an AR or ARs) in CHESP are significantly lower than those in ESP, while the alkanes (30.4%) and cyclanes (54.7%) contents in CHESP are much higher than those in ESP according to the analysis with a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. Furthermore, according to the analysis with a quadrupole exactive orbitrap mass spectrometer using atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization in positive-ion mode, the number and yields of HACCs in CHESP are significantly lower than those in ESP. The catalytic hydroconversion of lignite-related model compounds further confirms that the synergy between Ni nanoparticles and the M skeleton plays a crucial role in activating H2 to H···H and further activating H···H to H· and H+, which is the key to achieving the AR hydrogenation and the heteroatom removal at 160 °C.

The chemical structures of bagasse and residue (RBE) from bagasse ethanolysis (BE) were characterized with multiple direct tools. According to solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (SS 13C NMR) analysis, the aromatic carbon content in bagasse is 21.1%, while ‘Oxy-methylene’ (28.2%) and ‘Oxy-methine’ (45.7%) are the most abundant among the aliphatic carbons. X-ray photoelectron spectrometric analysis shows that the oxygen atoms mainly exist in >C-O- moieties of bagasse, which is consistent with SS 13C NMR, thermogravimetric, and Fourier transform infrared semi-quantitative analyses, while the >C-O- moieties in RBE are obviously reduced, indicating that the >C-O- bond cleavage should be the major reaction during BE. Based on the analysis with a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, a series of alkyl-substituted phenols & benzenepolyols (39.85%), alkoxybenzenes (ABs, 3.02%), alkoxyphenols (APs, 11.29%), ketones (12.66%), and ethyl alkanoates (13.64%) were detected in ethanol-soluble portion (ESP) from BE. Interestingly, in one-pot, the total relative content of cyclanols in the selective hydroconverted ESP is as high as 69.18% over Ru/lanthanum hydroxide (Ru/La(OH)3) in water, suggesting that ABs and APs are converted to cyclanols via highly selective demethoxylation over Ru/La(OH)3, while many -OH groups are retained. The high yields of cyclanols demonstrate the potential for the selective hydroconversion of bagasse-derived bio-oil to value-added cyclanols.

Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid supported on attapulgite powder (TFMSA/AP) and Mg2Si/γ-Al2O3 were facilely prepared by impregnating TFMSA onto AP and Mg2Si onto γ-Al2O3. The extraction residue from Yiwu lignite (YLER) was subjected to non-catalytic hydroconversion (NCHC) and catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) over TFMSA/AP and Mg2Si/γ-Al2O3, respectively. Detailed molecular compositions of the soluble portions from the NCHC (SPNCHC) and CHC over TFMSA/AP (SPCHC-A) and Mg2Si/γ-Al2O3 (SPCHC-B) were characterized with a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. As a result, the yields of SPCHC-A and SPCHC-B are 19.6% and 17.5%, respectively, which are much higher than that of SPNCHC (1.04%), suggesting that both TFMSA/AP and Mg2Si/γ-Al2O3 show excellent activity for the CHC of YLER. Arenes and arenols are predominant in SPCHC-A and SPCHC-B, respectively, while large amounts of alkanoates were detected in SPNCHC. The results indicate that TFMSA/AP effectively catalyzes the cleavage of Car–Calk and Calk–O bridged bonds (BBs) in YLER, while Mg2Si/γ-Al2O3 significantly promotes the cleavage of C–O BBs in YLER. Di(1-naphthyl)methane, 1-methylnaphthalene, oxydibenzene, and benzyloxybenzene were used as coal-related model compounds (CRMCs) for the CHC to further explore the catalysis of TFMSA/AP and Mg2Si/γ-Al2O3. The results show that TFMSA/AP not only releases mobile H+ but also heterolytically splits H2 to form an immobile H− and a mobile H+, leading to the cleavage of Calk–Car and Calk–O BBs in the CRMCs. In contrast, Mg2Si/γ-Al2O3 facilitates heterolytically splitting H2 to an immobile H+ and a mobile H−, resulting in the cleavage of C–O BBs in the CRMCs.

An active, low-cost, and recyclable catalyst was prepared by impregnating trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMSA) onto metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-derived N-doped carbon matrix nanoparticles. The residue (RTD) from thermal dissolution (TD) of Hefeng subbituminous coal in methanol was subjected to further TD and catalytic hydrocracking (CHC) over the catalyst, i.e., TFMSA/MOFs at 300 °C in cyclohexane. Detailed molecular compositions of the soluble portions from TD (SPTD) and CHC (SPCHC) were characterized with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS), and positive-ion atmospheric pressure chemical ionization orbitrap mass spectrometer (PIAPCIORMS). The results show that 15.60% of organic matter in RTD was converted to a soluble portion by the CHC, whereas the yield of SPTD is only 1.04%. According to the analysis with GC/MS, SPCHC is rich in alkyl-substituted benzenes, while most of the GC/MS-detectable compounds in SPTD are alkyl-substituted arenols, alkyl-substituted cyclenones, and phenylalkanones in addition to alkyl-substituted benzenes. The analysis with PIAPCIORMS shows that both the number and yields of basic nitrogen-containing species were dramatically reduced after the CHC. These facts indicate that TFMSA/MOFs effectively catalyzed the cleavage of Car–Calk bridged bonds connecting some aromatic rings (ARs) and side chains on some ARs in RTD to obtain soluble compounds. Di(1-naphthyl)methane and 2-(benzyloxy)naphthalene were used as coal-related model compounds (CRMCs) and their CHCs were investigated to further explore the catalysis of TFMSA/MOFs in the CHC of RTD. As a result, TFMSA/MOFs effectively catalyzed the cleavage of Car-Calk and C-O bonds in the CRMCs under moderate conditions. TFMSA/MOFs can be easily separated by using an external magnetic field and the recovered TFMSA/MOFs is still highly active for the CHC of DNM.

A novel magnetic Co-doped MoO 2 @C was prepared by in-situ co-pyrolysis and used for catalyzing hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of bio-derived guaiacol to arenes or substituted phenols controlled by solvent type. Considering the variation of product distributions from the HDO of guaiacol using different solvents, the reaction intermediates of each stage were traced to explore its HDO pathways over Co-MoO 2 @C. The results show that guaiacol conversion to catechol via specific demethylation instead of direct demethoxygenation induces the entire reactions. Subsequently, catechol was converted to arenes or phenols by selective dehydroxylation or alkylation over Co-MoO 2 @C using different solvents. The synergy among Co, MoO 2 , and biochar plays a crucial role in activating H 2 and ethanol, which is the key to achieving high reactant conversion and product selectivities under relatively lower initial H 2 pressure (0.8 MPa). This solvent-controlled trend is also applicable to the catalytic HDO of the ethanol-soluble portion from bagasse. Furthermore, possible mechanisms for bimetallic synergic catalysis of the formation and transfer of active hydrogen atoms were proposed.

An active and recyclable supported Ni catalyst was developed by thermally decomposing nickel tetracarbonyl to highly dispersive nickel nanoparticles onto treated zeolite 5A (TZ5A) impregnated with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMSA). Oxybis(methylene)dibenzene (OBMDB) and benzyloxybenzene (BOB) were used as lignin-related model compounds (LRMCs) to evaluate Ni13%-TFMSA/TZ5A activity for the catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) of the LRMCs. The results show that Ni13%-TFMSA/TZ5A effectively induces the formation and transfer of H+ and biatomic active hydrogen, and thereby catalyzes the CHC of OBMDB and BOB to afford cyclohexane under mild conditions. The CHC includes the cleavage of C–O and C–C bridged bonds, the hydrogenation of benzene ring, and dehydroxygenation of the resulting phenylmethanol and cyclohexanol. Ni13%-TFMSA/TZ5A can be easily separated and still active for the CHC after 3-times recycle.

A highly active magnetic solid superbase (MSSB) was prepared by impregnating Mg2Si onto γ-Al2O3-coated ferroferric oxide nanoparticles via one-pot synthesis method and successfully applied in the catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) of the extraction residue (ER) from Naomaohu lignite. Large amounts of chain alkanes and arenes were detected in the soluble portion (SP) from the non-catalytic hydroconversion of the ER, while oxygen-containing organic compounds are predominant in the SP from the CHC of the ER, indicating that MSSB catalyzes the cleavage of C O bridged bonds in the ER. Oxybis(methylene)dibenzene was used as the lignite-related model compound to evaluate the catalytic activity of MSSB. The results show that MSSB facilitates heterolytically splitting H2 to release H− and subsequent H− transfer, leading to the cleavage of C O bridged bonds.

Catalyst Ni/attapulgite powder (AP) was facilely prepared by thermally decomposing nickel tetracarbonyl onto AP. Anthracene was used as a condensed arenes (CAs)-related model compound to evaluate the catalytic activity and selectivity of Ni/AP for hydrogenating CAs. The results show that anthracene can be completely converted to perhydroanthracenes (PHAs) at 175 °C and selectively converted to 9,10-dihydroanthracene (DHA, ca. 86.4%) at 300 °C by catalytic hydrogenation over Ni/AP. Ni/AP effectively promotes the formation and transfer (F & T) of biatomic active hydrogen (H⋯H) at 175 °C, resulting in the complete hydrogenation of anthracene to PHAs. The mechanism for the F & T of H⋯H is consistent with the observation from the higher selectivities of cis-PHAs than that of trans-PHAs. At 300 °C, the catalytically produced H⋯H over Ni/AP tends to be homolytically spitted to hydrogen radical (H ), inducing the partial hydrogenation of anthracene to DHA. Quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory further confirmed the temperature-controlled hydrogenation of anthracene over Ni/AP. This finding is a conclusive proof that the active hydrogen species is crucially important for affecting the product selectivities from the catalytic hydrogenation of anthracene over Ni/AP. Our research also offers a novel strategy for highly selective conversion of CAs to polycyclic alkanes or hydroarenes.

A novel and highly active magnetic solid superacid (MSSA) with extraordinary separable and recyclable properties was facilely developed by impregnating trifluoromethanesulfonic acid onto mesoporous zirconia coated ferroferric oxide nanoparticles. The extraction residue (ER) from Piliqing subbituminous coal was subjected to non-catalytic hydrocracking (NCHC) and catalytic hydrocracking (CHC) in cyclohexane over MSSA at 300 °C. Detailed molecular compositions of the soluble portions from NCHC (SPNCHC) and CHC (SPCHC) were characterized with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS). As a result, the yield of SPCHC is remarkably higher than that of SPNCHC and most of the GC/MS-detectable compounds in SPCHC are arenes, while SPNCHC contains alkanes, arenes, arenols, and ketones, indicating that MSSA effectively catalyzed the cleavage of Car-Calk bridged bonds connecting some aromatic rings (ARs) and side chains on some ARs in the ER. Di(1-naphthyl)methane (DNM) and 9-benzylphenanthrene (9-BP) were used as coal-related model compounds (CRMCs) and their CHCs were investigated to further probe the catalysis of MSSA in the CHC of the ER. The result suggests that MSSA is highly active for cleaving the Car-Calk bond in the CRMCs and generating naphthalene and phenanthrene under mild conditions. Based on the exploration of controlling reactions, the catalytic mechanism was discussed. MSSA could be easily separated and still active for the CHC of DNM after 3-times recycle.

Catalysts C600, C700, and C800 prepared from Ca(CH3COO)2 calcination at 600, 700, and 800 °C, respectively, were characterized with an X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, and specific surface area analyzer. Over the catalysts, bio-oils (BOs) were obtained by the supercritical ethanolysis (SCE) of wheat stalk powder (WSP). Their yields, ultimate analyses, chemical composition and some fuel properties were investigated. WSP and the residues from the SCE of WSP were analyzed with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The results show that C700 has a small particle size and large specific surface area, and can effectively catalyze the SCE of WSP. The BO yields from non-catalytic, C600 , C700 , and C800-catalyzed SCE of WSP are 30.1, 22.9, 70.7 and 34.4%, respectively. BO700 from C700-catalyzed SCE of WSP has relatively higher H/C and H/O ratios and calorific value but lower acidity, kinematic viscosity, and water content. The relative content of alcohols in the BO obviously increased, while the contents of carboxylic acids, ethyl esters, and anhydrides decreased over C700.

Catalysts trifloromethanesulfonic acid (TFMSA)/treated attapulgite powder (TAP), Ni/TAP, and Ni-TFMSA/TAP with different Ni and TFMSA loadings were prepared. The typical catalysts were characterized with multiple instruments and used for catalyzing hydroconversion of di(1-naphthyl)methane (DNM), which was used as a coal-related model compound. The suitable loadings of Ni and TFMSA in Ni-TFMSA/TAP were determined to be 28.6% of Ni and 33% of TFMSA. Under optimal reaction conditions of 5 MPa of initial hydrogen pressure, 240 °C, and 4 h over Ni-TFMSA/TAP, DNM was completely converted, producing decalin and 1-methyldecalin as the main products. The result suggests that Ni-TFMSA/TAP is highly active for both cleaving the Car-Calk bond in DNM and hydrogenating the resulting naphthalene and 1-methylnaphthalene under mild conditions. Based on the identification of reaction products, the catalytic mechanism for DNM hydroconversion was discussed.

The selective hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignin-derived bio-oil still meets the great challenges due to its complex oxygenated organic component. In this research, first time, Pd-based zeolite catalysts were prepared by the modified deposition-precipitation (DP) method for the HDO conversion of guaiacol. Notably, for the same Si/Al ratio of zeolite, Pd2%/Hβ catalyst showed the higher catalytic activity on the HDO of guaiacol than that Pd2%/M and Pd2%/HZSM-5 catalyst, which mainly originated from the synergetic effect between metal nanoparticles size and acid sites of catalyst. As one of typical phenolic monomers, guaiacol can be converted into high yield of hydrocarbons under the condition of 220 °C, 3 MPa H2, and 4 h in n-hexane over Pd2%/Hβ (DP) catalyst. This highly active catalyst exhibited the good recyclability in the HDO conversion of guaiacol. In addition, other typical phenolic monomers can be converted into high yield of hydrocarbons over this highly active catalyst. Considering this, after HDO upgrading, real lignin oil (RLO) can be converted into high yield of hydrocarbons with the carbon number (CN) in range of C7-C15. This work highlighted that the depolymerization monomers from lignin can be further upgraded by this high active catalyst through HDO to obtain jet hydrocarbons fuel.

An in-situ and ex-situ cascade upgrade strategy was designed and used for upgrading Dahuangshan lignite-derived soluble mixtures (LDSMs) to obtain value-added chemicals and clean liquid fuels (CLFs), respectively. In the H2-free catalytic ethanolysis, Ni/mordenite can effectively activate ethanol and promote the transfer of various free radicals including H·, CH3CH2·, and CH3CH2O·, which synchronously facilitates the cleavage of bridged bonds in Dahuangshan lignite and the in-situ removal of heteroatoms (HAs) from LDSMs. As a result, the total yield of LDSMs increased from 40.6 to 66.5 wt%, wherein that of ethanol-soluble portion (ESP) increased from 21.4 to 32.4 wt%. Interestingly, alkanes and arenes with higher relative content (RC, 38.1%) were detected in ESPC (for catalytic ethanolysis), while arenols (24.7%) dominate ESPN (for ethanolysis). The analysis with a quadrupole exactive orbitrap mass spectrometer further confirmed the significant decrease in the relative abundance of HAs, especially Ox class species, in ESPC. In addition, ESPN and ESPC with different properties were further used for enriching derived chemicals and for obtaining CLFs by catalytic hydroconversion (CHC), respectively. After the CHC, the total RCs of alkanes and cyclanes in the soluble portion (SP) are as high as 71.3%, and the content of HA-containing organic compounds was further decreased. Therefore, such SP containing less HAs is an attractive CLF precursor. A ternary mixed solvent was also designed for rapidly separating the SP from ESPN. The total RC of alkanes and arenes in PE5 as well as arenols in M5 are as high as 79.4 and 70.9%, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations were further used to reveal the rapid enrichment mechanisms with ternary mixed solvents.

Modified microfiber attapulgite (MFA)-supported nickel was prepared by thermally decomposing nickel tetracarbonyl on MFA modified with an acidic ionic liquid (AIL, 1-sulfobutyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate). It was characterized with multiple instruments and used for catalyzing hydroconversion of lignite-related model compounds (LRMCs) oxydibenzene, benzyloxybenzene, and oxybis(methylene)dibenzene. The results indicate that Ni 15% /MFA@AIL effectively catalyzes hydroconversion of the LRMCs to afford cyclanes by inducing the formation of H + , H − , and biatomic active hydrogen.

An active bifunctional nickel catalyst was prepared by decomposing Ni(CO) 4 to highly dispersed metallic Ni onto Hβ zeolite and first applied in hydroconverting benzyloxybenzene (BOB), which was used as a lignin-related model compound. Ni/Hβ proved to be effective for converting BOB to bicyclic cyclanes (BCCs) via C alk O bond cleavage induced by H + addition, benzylium addition to 2- and 4-positions in phenol, hydrogenation of benzene ring, dehydration, and H − abstraction. Compared to one-step conversion, the total BCC selectivity (TBCCS) significantly increases from catalytic hydroconversion of catalytically converted BOB by pretreatment under pressurized N 2 .

Catalysts Ni/γ-Al 2 O 3 , Mg 2 Si/γ-Al 2 O 3 , and Ni-Mg 2 Si/γ-Al 2 O 3 were prepared. Their activities for catalytic hydroconversions (CHCs) of some lignite-related model compounds were examined. For the CHCs of oxydibenzene (ODB), benzyloxybenzene, and oxybis(methylene)dibenzene, the suitable loadings of Ni and Mg 2 Si are 33 and 20% in Ni-Mg 2 Si/γ-Al 2 O 3 , respectively, and the optimal reaction conditions are 4 MPa of initial hydrogen pressure, 240 °C, and 2 h, under which ODB was almost completely converted to cyclohexane. The formation of possible intermediates during the CHC of ODB was discussed. Ni-Mg 2 Si/γ-Al 2 O 3 was proposed to have 3 functions, i.e., activating H 2 to biatomic active hydrogen (H⋯H), releasing H − , and heterolytically splitting H⋯H to release H − as well, resulting in the hydrogenation of aromatic rings and the hydrocracking of C O bonds, respectively.

An acidic ionic liquid modified microfiber attapulgite (MFA)-supported nickel was prepared by thermally decomposing nickel tetracarbonyl onto MFA modified with an acidic ion liquid (AIL, 1-sulfobutyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate). It was characterized with multiple instruments and used for catalyzing hydroconversion of coal-related model compounds (CRMCs) di(1-naphthyl)methane, diphenylmethane, bibenzyl, and 1,3-diphenylpropane. The results indicate that Ni/MFA@AIL effectively catalyzes hydroconversion of the CRMCs to afford cyclanes and alkylcyclanes by inducing the formation of H + , H − , and biatomic active hydrogen species.

A novel and highly active magnetic solid superbase (MSSB) with extraordinary recovery and recycling properties was prepared by impregnating Mg2Si onto mesoporous silica coated magnetite via one-pot preparation and successfully applied in the catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) of sawdust at 220 °C. Detailed molecular compositions of the soluble portions from non-catalytic hydroconversion (SPNCHC) and CHC (SPCHC) were characterized with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS). As a result, the yield of SPCHC is significantly higher than that of SPNCHC and most of the GC/MS-detectable compounds in SPCHC are guaiacols, while SPNCHC is rich in guaiacols and esters, indicating that MSSB effectively catalyzed the cleavage of C O bridged bonds in sawdust. The mechanism for catalytically hydrocracking C O bridged bonds over MSSB is proposed using benzyloxybenzene and oxybis(methylene)dibenzene as model compounds. MSSB can be easily separated by using an external magnetic field and the recovered MSSB proved to be still highly active for catalyzing the hydrocracking of C O bridged bonds in sawdust.

An active bifunctional nickel-based catalyst was prepared by decomposing Ni(CO)4 to dispersive metallic Ni on Hβ zeolite and successfully applied in the catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) of an alkali lignin (AL). Detailed elemental composition, functional groups, and molecular compositions of the soluble portions (SPs) from non-catalytic hydroconversion (SPNCHC) and CHC (SPCHC) were characterized with an elemental analyzer, a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS). As a result, alkoxalkanes, phenol, cresol, veratrols, alkyl-substituted 1,4-dimethoxyphenols, 2,5-dimethylfuran, 3-hydroxyneopentanal, 4-methylpent-3-en-2-one, 4-methoxy-4-methylpentan-2-one, 1-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-tolyl)propan-1-one, and 2,5-dimethylhex-4-enoic acid only appear in SPCHC, and yields of multiple alkyl-substituted phenols, p-alkylanisoles, diols, non-substituted and alkyl-substituted methoxyphenols, and substituted phenylethanones in SPCHC are significantly higher than those in SPNCHC. The mechanism for catalytically hydrocracking >CH-O- bridged bonds over Ni/Hβ is proposed using benzyloxybenzene (BOB) and phenethoxybenzene as AL-related model compounds. Ni/Hβ proved to be stable after 3 cycles with relatively small loss in catalytic activity for catalyzing the hydrocracking of >CH-O- bonds in BOB.

The alkylation of phenols is an effective method for synthesizing alkylphenols as important chemicals and key building blocks. Herein, we investigated the methylation of phenols over Ni/Fe2O3 as the catalyst with CH3OH as methylating agent. The catalyst was characterized by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, BET surface area, transmission electron microscopy, NH3-temperature-programmed desorption, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effects of catalyst composition and feed, reaction temperature and time, and recycling times of the catalyst on the o-methylation were systematically examined. As a result, only o-xylenols were detected and their relative contents increase with time under the optimized conditions. The methylation was also used to convert crude phenols extracted from a low-temperature coal tar to value-added chemicals, and consequently mesitol and durenol were produced in total yields up to 99%. Pure mesitol and durenol were obtained after elution and their structures are confirmed by multiple analyses.

A mesoporous Y zeolite (MPYZ)-supported nickel catalyst (Ni/MPYZ with 10% of Ni loading) was prepared by modifying deposition-precipitation (MDP) to uniformly disperse Ni nanoparticles (NNPs) onto MPYZ. An oil sludge (OS) was exhaustively extracted with isometric carbon disulfide and acetone mixed solvent to obtained the extractable portion (EPOS) in the yield of 90.6%. EPOS was subjected to the catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) over Ni10%/MPYZ at 160 °C under 5 MPa of initial hydrogen pressure (IHP) for 18 h in n-hexane to afford catalytically hydroconverted EP (EPCHC). The results show that alkenes, aromatics, and heteroatom-containing compounds (HACCs, some of which are also aromatics) in EPOS were completely converted to chain alkanes and cyclanes. Ni/MPYZ can effectively activate H2 to biatomic active hydrogen (H⋯H) and heterogeneously split H2 to relatively mobile H+ and immobile H− attached on the surface of Ni/MPYZ. The transfer of H⋯H and H+ to EPOS plays crucial roles in the CHC of EPOS. Such mechanisms are evidenced by the CHC of benzyloxybenzene over Ni/MPYZ. Ni10%/MPYZ maintained high activity for the CHC after 5 repeated cycles.

A novel solid acid was prepared by impregnating trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMSA) onto mesoporous ZrO 2 coated attapulgite (MPZCA) via one-pot synthesis method. Dibenzyl ether (DBE) was used as a coal-related model compound to evaluate the catalytic activity of TFMSA/MPZCA for cleaving C alk –O bridged bonds in low-rank coals. The results show that DBE conversion over TFMSA/MPZCA could reach 100% at 160 °C in C 2 H 5 OH without charging H 2 . TFMSA/MPZCA proved to be stable after 4 cycles with only slight loss in catalytic activity. Moreover, a H + transfer mechanism was proposed, which reasonably deduces possible pathways for DBE hydrocracking over TFMSA/MPZCA.

Extraction residue from Geting bituminous coal (ER GBC ) via ultrasonic extraction with isometric carbon disulfide/acetone binary solvent was subjected to thermal dissolution (TD), thermal dissolution under pressurized nitrogen (TDN), non-catalytic hydroconversion (NCHC), and catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) in cyclohexane at 300 °C for 3 h. The catalyst was prepared by thermally decomposing Fe(CO) 5 and Ni(CO) 4 onto γ-Al 2 O 3 . The reaction mixtures from TD, TDN, NCHC, and CHC were sequentially extracted with petroleum ether, carbon disulfide, methanol, acetone, and isometric acetone/carbon disulfide binary solvent to afford extracts 1–5 (E 1 –E 5 ). Detailed characterizations of the extracts were performed with a gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The results show that the yields of E 1 and E 3 from CHC are appreciably higher than those from others, suggesting the great influence of CHC on the breakage of -CH 2 - and -O- linkages connected to condensed aromatic rings. According to analysis with GC/MS, alkanes and arenes are the most abundant species in each E 1 , in which most of the arenes are methylarenes. Arenols and phthalates are the predominant oxygen-containing organic compounds. Arenes with 1 or 2 ring(s) markedly increase by using H 2 , especially in the presence of the catalyst. The H . catalytically generated over FeNi–S/γ-Al 2 O 3 and the stabilizing effect of H 2 on the generated radicals could play crucial roles in cleaving bridged linkages connected to condensed aromatic rings and thereby enhance the yields of alkylarenes through NCHC and CHC. Related mechanisms for the formation of some species derived from NCHC and CHC of ER GBC are discussed.

A new solid acid was prepared by trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMSA) impregnation into an acid-treated attapulgite (ATA). Di(1-naphthyl)methane (DNM) hydrocracking was used as the probe reaction to evaluate the catalytic performance of TFMSA/ATA for cleaving C ar -C alk bridged bonds in coals. The results show that DNM was specifically hydrocracked to naphthalene and 1-methylnaphthalene over TFMSA/ATA in methanol in the absence of gaseous hydrogen. In particular, TFMSA/ATA was demonstrated to be stable after four cycles with slight loss in catalytic activity. Furthermore, a proposed H + transfer mechanism successfully interprets the TFMSA/ATA-catalyzed hydrocracking reaction of DNM.

A highly active difunctional supported nickel catalyst Ni/Z5A was prepared by thermally decomposing nickel carbonyl onto zeolite 5A (Z5A). The catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) of methanol-soluble portion (MSP) from the methanolysis of Xiaolongtan lignite was investigated over Ni/Z5A at 200 °C. Detailed molecular compositions of MSP and catalytically hydrogenated MSP (CHMSP) were characterized with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS), and negative-ion electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (ESIFTICRMS). According to analysis with GC/MS, MSP is rich in aromatic ring- and/or heteroatom-containing compounds, while most of the GC/MS-detectable compounds in CHMSP are chain alkanes and cyclanes. The analysis with ESIFTICRMS shows that both the number and yields of oxygen- and/or nitrogen-containing species in MSP were dramatically reduced after the CHC. These facts indicate that Ni/Z5A effectively catalyzed heteroatom (especially O atom) removal from MSP and hydrogenation of MSP. Naphth-1-ol and oxybis(methylene)dibenzene (OBMDB) were used as lignite-related model compounds and their CHCs were investigated to further understand the catalysis of Ni/Z5A in the CHC of MSP. As a result, Ni/Z5A proved to have 2 functions, i.e., activating H2 to biatomic active hydrogen (BAAH) and heterolytically splitting H2 to H+ relatively free from Ni/Z5A and H− adsorbed on Ni/Z5A. Over Ni/Z5A, the CHCs of naphth-1-ol and OBMDB proceeded via BAAH and H+ transfer to mainly produce tetralin and decalin from naphth-1-ol and methylcyclohexane and toluene from OBMDB.

A novel solid acid was prepared by impregnating trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMSA) onto attapulgite powder (AP). Benzyloxybenzene (BOB) was used as a lignite-related model compound to evaluate the catalytic activity of TFMSA/AP for cleaving C alk –O bridged bonds in lignites. The results show that BOB was mainly hydrocracked to toluene, phenol, and (ethoxymethyl)benzene over TFMSA/AP in ethanol without adding gaseous hydrogen. In addition, ethanol participated in and significantly facilitated BOB hydrocracking. Based on the kinetic investigation, BOB hydrocracking over TFMSA/AP is absent of mass transfer limitations with the apparent activation energy of only 19.4 kJ mol − 1 , which is far smaller than the dissociation energy (209.2 kJ mol − 1 ) of C alk –O bridged bond in BOB. The proton transfer directly from TFMSA/AP and/or via ethanol dehydrogenation to the oxygen atom of BOB could be the crucial step for BOB hydrocracking over TFMSA/AP.

A solid superacid TFMSA/MPZCA was prepared by impregnating trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMSA) into mesoporous zirconia-coated attapulgite (MPZCA). Using TFMSA/MPZCA, the catalytic hydrocracking of coal-related model compounds (CRMCs) oxybis(methylene)dibenzene (OBMDB), benzyloxybenzene (BOB), and di(1-naphthyl)methane (DNM) and the catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) of extraction residues (ERs, isometric carbon disulfide/acetone-insoluble portion) from Huozhou lignite (HL) and Shaerhu lignite (SL) in cyclohexane without H2 were investigated. According to the model reactions, H+ released from TFMSA in TFMSA/MPZCA plays a crucial role in cleaving the > Calk-O- and > Car-C Calk-O- in OBMDB and BOB can be completely cleaved at 170 °C and 190 °C for 3 h, respectively, while the BL of > Car-C

Lignin is an important sustainable feedstock for producing valuable aromatics, which can be achieved by catalytic hydrogenolysis over suitable heterogeneous catalysts. Herein, Ni/TiN catalysts with different Ni loadings (5%–30%) were prepared by an incipient-wetness impregnation method. The effects of Ni loadings, reaction temperature, H2 pressure, and time on hydrogenolysis of benzyloxybenzene (BOB) were investigated. The results showed that Ni/TiN presented high active for selective hydrogenolysis of C O bond in BOB to produce aromatics. The BOB conversion reached up to 100% with high selectivity of toluene (64%) and phenol (60%) over Ni10%/TiN under the optimal reaction conditions (250 °C, 1 MPa H2, and 3 h). Ni10%/TiN showed good stability and reusability with slight decrease in BOB conversion and selectivity of toluene and phenol after five runs. The morphological characteristics of the reused Ni10%/TiN remained almost unchanged. Additionally, Ni10%/TiN showed good catalytic activity in cleaving C O bridged bonds in dealkaline lignin to produce aromatics with high selectivity. Phenols are the major aromatics with the highest relative content of 60.6% obtained at 300 °C under catalytic conditions, among which guaiacols are predominant. Possible mechanisms for hydrogenolysis of BOB and dealkaline lignin were discussed according to the product distributions.

Co–Zn/NC was prepared by a sacrificial template self-reduction method with zeolitic imidazolate frame-8 (ZIF-8) impregnating the Co2+ as the precursor. At 125 °C for 2.5 h, furfural was completely converted to furan-2-ylmethanol (FM) over Co17Zn/NC600, while FM selectivity over Co/NC600 is only 70.6%. According to multiple characterizations, Co17Zn/NC600 (Co loading 17%, calcined at 600 °C) consists of flower-like spherical Co3ZnC nanoparticles (NPsCo3ZnC) uniformly distributed on its surface. The NPsCo3ZnC are the main active ingredients for highly selective furfural hydrogenation to FM, which is confirmed by furfural hydrogenation over Co–Zn/NC prepared with different Co loadings and different calcination temperatures. The excellent activity and stability of Co17Zn/NC600 were confirmed by recycling experiment and furfural conversion is still above 90% after repeated use of Co17Zn/NC600 for 8 cycles.

Fe/attapulgite powder (AP), Ni/AP, and Fe-Ni/AP were prepared by thermally decomposing iron pentacarbonyl (IPC), nickel tetracarbonyl (NTC), and different molar ratios of IPC to NTC onto AP in ethoxyethane, respectively. Their activities for the catalytic hydrocracking of di(1-naphthyl)methane (DNM) were compared under the same conditions. As a result, the activity of Fe-Ni-S/AP (Fe:Ni = 2:1) for DNM hydrocracking is significantly higher than that of other catalysts used. DNM conversion is near 100% over Fe-Ni-S/AP with Fe:Ni = 2:1. Over the catalyst, H2 can be effectively split to H , which attacks the ipso-position of DNM to cleave the Car-Calk bridged bond in DNM. Naomaohu lignite was subjected to thermal dissolution/ethanolysis in ethanol to afford soluble portion 1 (SP1, yield 56.0%) and residue 1 (R1) followed by non-catalytic hydroconversion (NCHC) and catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) of SP1 and R1 at 300 °C using Fe-Ni-S/AP with Fe:Ni = 2:1 as the catalyst to afford SPNCHC, SPCHC, SP2 (yield 2.3%), and SPII (yield 11.2%). According to gas chromatography/mass spectrometric analysis, arenes are the most abundant in SPCHC, accounting for 21.9%, while the most abundant group component in SPNCHC are non‑nitrogen ketones, accounting for 20.0%.

A novel and highly active Y/ZSM-5 composite zeolite (YZCZ)-supported nickel bifunctional catalyst (Ni/YZCZ) was prepared using a modified deposition–precipitation method to uniformly disperse Ni nanoparticles (NNPs) onto YZCZ. Hecaogou subbituminous coal was exhaustively extracted with isometric carbon disulfide and acetone mixed solvent under ultrasonic irradiation to afford the extractable portion (EP) in the yield of 18.4%. EP was subjected to catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) in n-hexane over Ni/YZCZ under 5 MPa of initial hydrogen pressure at 160 °C for 24 h to afford catalytically hydroconverted EP (CHCEP). Both EP and CHCEP were analyzed with a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) and quadrupole exactive orbitrap mass spectrometer (QPEOTMS). As a result, cyclanes, alkenes, and hydroarenes were only detected in CHCEP and the relative content (RC) of alkanes in CHCEP is much higher than that in EP, while the RCs of both arenes, especially condensed arenes, and oxygen-containing organic compounds in EP are predominantly higher than those in CHCEP and nitrogen-containing organic compounds were only detected in EP. According to the CHC of coal-related model compound oxydibenzene (ODB), Ni/YZCZ can effectively activate H2 to biatomic active hydrogen (H⋯H), which is then split to an immobile H− attached on Ni/YZCZ and a relatively mobile H+. The H⋯H transfer leads to the hydrogenation of aromatic rings (ARs) in EP and ODB followed by heteroatom removal from the hydrogenated EP and ODB. In addition, due to the appropriate acidity, uniformly dispersed NNPs, and mesoporous structure of YZCZ, Ni/YZCZ proved to be still active for the CHC after 3 cycles and recoverable.

Ni-Mg2Si/attapulgite powder (AP) was prepared by thermally decomposing nickel tetracarbonyl onto the as-synthesized Mg2Si/AP by impregnating Mg2Si onto AP in CCl4. Its catalytic performance was evaluated by the catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) of oxydibenzene (ODB) in n-hexane under different reaction conditions. Both ODB conversion and cyclohexane selectivity are 100 % by the CHC of ODB over Ni-Mg2Si/AP under 3 MPa of initial hydrogen pressure at 240 °C for 4 h. However, almost no ODB was converted without Ni-Mg2Si/AP under the same conditions. The results show that Ni-Mg2Si/AP could activate H2 to biatomic active hydrogen (H⋯H) and H−, resulting in the hydrogenation of aromatic rings (ARs) and the hydrocracking of >Car O bridged bonds (COBBs), respectively. Additionally, the catalyst was also successfully applied in the CHC of extraction residue (ER) from Piliqing subbituminous coal (PSBC) in n-hexane. The group components of the soluble portion (SP) from CHC and non-CHC (NCHC) (SPCHC and SPNCHC) of ER were analyzed with a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. The yield (36.4 %) of SPCHC is significantly higher than that (1.8 %) of SPNCHC. More alkyl-substituted arenols (ASAs), anisoles, and methoxy-substitued cresols exist in SPNCHC, while SPCHC contains more normal alkanes (NAs), non-substituted cycloalkanes, alkylcyclohexanes, tetralins, and octahydroanthracenes. NAs are predominant in SPCHC, while ASAs are the most abundant in SPNCHC, indicating that the CHC facilitates the hydrocracking COBBs and hydrogenating ARs. ODB conversion is as high as 91.2 % after recycling 4 times. Therefore, the catalyst might be potential to produce coal-derived chemicals and clean liquid fuels to facilitate coal efficient conversions owing to its high activity, difunctionality, stability, and good recyclability.

A highly active solid acid was prepared by impregnating trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMSA) onto mesostructured zirconium oxide (MSZO). Di(1-naphthyl)methane (DNM) was used as a coal-related model compound to evaluate the catalytic activity of TFMSA/MSZO for cleaving strong C–C bridged bonds in coals. As a result, TFMSA/MSZO was found to be effective for hydrocracking DNM to naphthalene and 1-methylnaphthalene in cyclohexane without adding gaseous hydrogen and MSZO is a much better support than activated carbon, γ-Al2O3, and ZSM-5 zeolite. Based on the kinetic investigation, the apparent activation energy of DNM hydrocracking over TFMSA/MSZO is only 32.0 kJ·mol−1, which is much lower than the dissociation energy (355.6 kJ·mol−1) of the bridged bond in DNM. The proton transfer directly from TFMSA/MSZO and/or via cyclohexane dehydrogenation over TFMSA/MSZO to the ipso-position of DNM could be the crucial step for DNM hydrocracking.

Lignites are abundant coal resources, but they are low-quality fuel for direct combustion because of their high moisture content, high ash yield, and low calorific value. Upgrading technologies for lignites such as drying and pyrolysis have been widely investigated. Lignite conversion under mild conditions for producing ash-free coals, value-added chemicals, and/or liquid fuels also deserves attention. This paper reviews recent developments in extraction and mild conversion of lignites. The related techniques, including sequential extraction, thermal dissolution, mild oxidation, and catalytic hydroconversion of lignites, are described in detail. In addition, the application of high-resolution mass spectrometry in determining lignite-derived products is presented. Future investigations on efficient utilization of lignites are also suggested.

A highly dispersive nickel catalyst supported on microfiber attapulgite (MFA) was prepared. Benzene, naphthalene, triphenylmethane, 9-phenylanthracene, 1-methoxynaphthalene (MON), benzyloxybenzene, and oxybis(methylene)dibenzene were used as coal-related model compounds (CRMCs) to evaluate the catalytic activity. A conventional Ni/MFA (Ni/MFA–C) was prepared by an impregnation method. Ni/MFA is significantly active for catalytic hydroconversion of the CRMCs than Ni/MFA–C. Ni/MFA-catalyzed hydroconversions of industrial low-temperature coal tar (LTCT) and high-temperature coal tar (HTCT) were also investigated. The results show that the C ar –O bond in MON was specifically cleaved over Ni/MFA followed by catalytic hydrogenation of the resulting naphthalene to afford tetralin. Both unsaturated hydrocarbons and heteroatom-containing organic compounds in the LTCT and HTCT were completely hydroconverted to alkanes over Ni/MFA under optimum conditions, indicating that Ni/MFA catalyzes both hydrocracking and hydrogenation. According to multiple analyses, nickel nanoparticles were formed on the surface of MFA in Ni/MFA.

FeNi/γ-Al 2 O 3 was prepared by thermally decomposing iron pentacarbonyl and nickel tetracarbonyl onto γ-Al 2 O 3 . Geting bituminous coal (GBC) was subjected to noncatalytic hydroconversion (NCHC) and catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) in the presence of FeNi/γ-Al 2 O 3 and sulfur at 300 °C for 3 h. The reaction mixtures from both NCHC and CHC were fractionated to extracts 1–5 (E 1 –E 5 ) by sequential extraction. The molecular compositions of E 1 –E 5 were characterized with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (GC/MS), and atmospheric solid analysis probe/time of flight-mass spectrometer (ASAP/TOF-MS). The results show that the yields of E 1 –E 5 from CHC of GBC are obviously higher than those from NCHC. According to GC/MS analysis, the group components in E 1 from the CHC are dominated by alkanes, arenes, and arenols in remarkable higher yields than those from NCHC, and most of the arenes and arenols are alkyl-substituted ones. The addition of active hydrogen atoms catalytically generated over FeNi–S/γ-Al 2 O 3 to the ipso -position of condensed aromatic rings (CARs) in GBC could play a crucial role in cleaving–CH 2 − and–O − linkages connected to the CARs and thereby enhanced the yields of alkylarenes and alkylarenols through CHC. Meanwhile, the partial hydrogenation of some CARs during CHC could promote the radical hydrogen transfer along with thermal rupture of some relatively strong bonds to produce soluble molecules. According to ASAP/TOF-MS analysis, the soluble species from both NCHC and CHC have molecular mass distributions ranging from 100 to 500 u . A series of polar and/or involatile organic species.

A novel linear core–shell structured mesoporous silica coated microfiber attapulgite (MPSCMFA) was prepared. Ni/MPSCMFA, i.e., MPSCMFA-supported nickel catalyst was subsequently prepared by thermally decomposing nickel tetracarbonyl on MPSCMFA. Benzyloxybenzene (BOB) was used as a related model compound to evaluate the catalytic activity of Ni/MPSCMFA for C O bond cleavage. As a result, BOB was completely converted to toluene and phenol under pressurized hydrogen at 150 °C over Ni/MPSCMFA, suggesting that Ni/MPSCMFA is highly active for hydrocracking the C O bond in BOB at low temperatures. Ni/MPSCMFA-catalyzed hydroconversion of rice straw powder (RSP) was also investigated. The results show that the resulting soluble portion (SP) has higher contents of carbon and hydrogen, but lower content of oxygen than RSP. Especially, C 4 –C 9 alkanols are the dominant compounds in the SP (up to 70.77%).

Two Chinese coals, Shengli lignite and Shenmu–Fugu subbituminous coal, were subjected to non-catalytic hydroconversion (NCHC) and catalytic hydroconversion (CHC) in cyclohexane at 300 °C for 3 h under pressurized hydrogen using a solid acid as the catalyst, which was prepared by impregnating isometric pentachloroantimony and trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate into an activated carbon. The reaction mixtures from both NCHC and CHC were sequentially extracted with petroleum ether, carbon disulfide, methanol, acetone, and isometric acetone/carbon disulfide mixed solvent to afford extracts 1–5 (E 1 –E 5 ). The results show that both E 1 and total extract yields from CHC are appreciably higher than those from NCHC of each coal. E 1 from either NCHC or CHC of each coal was analyzed with a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) and an atmospheric solids analysis probe/time of flight mass spectrometer (ASAP/TOF-MS). GC/MS analysis shows that each E 1 consists of alkanes, arenes, and oxygen-containing organic compounds (OCOCs), and most of the arenes are methyl-substituted ones, whereas alkenyl groups only appear on benzene ring; most of the OCOCs are arenols, especially alkylarenols. According to ASAP/TOF-MS analysis, organic compounds with molecular masses ranging from 500 to 950 u appear in E 1 from CHC of both coals.

Highly selective hydrogenation of furfural and levulinic acid (LA) was studied over Ni0.09Zn/NC600 derived from zeolitic imidazolate frameworks. The existence of active Ni3ZnC0.7 particles in Ni0.09Zn/NC600 was confirmed by multiple characterizations. As a result, over Ni0.09Zn/NC600, 99.7% of furfural conversion (FC) and 100% of furan-2-ylmethanol selectivity (FMS) were achieved in isopropanol (IP) at 170 °C for 2 h, while FC and (tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methanol (THFM) selectivity are 97.5% and 86.4% in water at 150 °C for 1 h. Over the same catalyst, LA was completely converted to γ-valerolactone in water at 95 °C for 0.5 h. The catalyst is still highly active after 6 cycles of recycling with 92.8% of FC and 100% of FMS in IP at 170 °C for 1.5 h and 90.1% of LA conversion and 100% of γ-valerolactone selectivity in water at 80 °C for 0.5 h.