Characteristic Analysis of Ni-Zirconia Sulfate and Natural-Based Catalysts for Waste Cooking Oil Conversion into Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Abstract:

This study evaluates hydrothermally synthesized Ni–zirconia sulfate catalysts in comparison with natural mineral–based catalysts (Cu-Bentonite and Cu-Zeolite) for waste cooking oil upgrading toward sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Catalyst properties were characterized using XRD, BET, and SEM–EDS, while catalytic cracking performance was assessed based on oil liquid product (OLP) yield and C₁₂–C₁₆ selectivity. XRD confirms the formation of a stable monoclinic ZrO₂ phase with enhanced crystallinity after Ni incorporation, whereas Cu-Bentonite and Cu-Zeolite preserve their layered and FAU-type structures. BET and SEM–EDS analyses indicate that Ni–zirconia sulfate exhibits favorable mesoporosity and more homogeneous metal dispersion. Catalytic tests show that SZ–Ni 1% delivers the highest performance, achieving a C₁₂–C₁₆ selectivity of 77.37% and an OLP yield of 53.62%, outperforming Cu-based catalysts. The enhanced performance is attributed to a bifunctional acid–metal mechanism, where strong Brønsted–Lewis acidity and Ni hydrogenation sites synergistically promote cracking and hydrodeoxygenation. These findings demonstrate that Ni–zirconia sulfate is an effective catalyst for SAF-range hydrocarbon production, while natural mineral catalysts offer lower-cost but less efficient alternatives.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 1190)
• Pages: 99-107
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-8sBfPZ
• Online since: July 2026
• Authors: Regina Julia Ardi, Arif Pawoko, Thasya Lamhotmatua, Hosta Ardhyananta, Ali Altway, Kevin Antonius, Aisyah Alifatul, Srie Mulyani, Tri Widjaja*
• Keywords: Bio-Oil Upgrading, Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO), Natural Minerale Catalysts, Ni-Zirconia Sulfate Catalyst, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

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