The objective of this work is to test whether the previously
proposed mechanistic model is applicable for the HDO of methyl
palmitate, a more realistic and heavier model compound. It has
been found that the fatty acid esters with different chain length
exhibited different kinetic behaviors. For this purpose, the HDO
kinetics of methyl palmitate were experimentally investigated over
Rh/ZrO2 catalyst. A series of Rh/ZrO2 catalysts with different catalyst
surface areas and metal dispersions were prepared by using
different calcination temperatures for ZrO2 support. By combining
the experimental and modeling study, we are aiming to reveal
some new mechanism insights in order to design and optimize HDO
catalyst and process.