Abstract

Pyrolysis and liquefaction biocrudes obtained from lignocellulose are rich in phenolic compounds that can be converted to renewable aromatics. In this study, Pt catalysts on reducible metal oxide supports (Nb₂O₅, TiO₂), along with non‐reducible ZrO₂ as a reference, were investigated in the liquid‐phase hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of 4‐propylphenol (350 °C, 20 bar H₂, organic solvent). The most active catalyst was Pt/Nb₂O₅, which led to the molar propylbenzene selectivity of 77%, and a yield of 75% (98% conversion). Reducible metal oxide supports provided an increased activity and selectivity to the aromatic product compared to ZrO₂, and the obtained results are among the best reported in liquid phase. The reusability of the spent catalysts was also studied. The spent Pt/Nb₂O₅ catalyst provided the lowest conversion, while the product distribution of the spent Pt/ZrO₂ catalyst changed towards oxygenates. The results highlight the potential of pyrolysis or liquefaction biocrudes as a source of aromatic chemicals.