Inexpensive non-sulfided Ni-based catalysts were evaluated for hydrotreatments using phenol as
model compound. HZSM-5, a zeolite with different ratio of Si/Al and c-Al2O3 were impregnated with
Ni(NO3)26H2O and calcined at 450 C. Conversion rates and product distribution for treatment of phenol
at 160–240 C in the presence of catalysts with nickel loads of 6, 10, 14 and 17 wt.% were determined.
Phenol conversion was highest (91.8%) at 240 C in the presence of HZSM-5(Si/Al = 38) loaded with
10% Ni. When hydrotreatment was carried out with bio-oil obtained from pyrolysis of pine sawdust
under the optimal conditions determined for phenol, the pH of bio-oil increased from 2.27 to 4.07, and
the hydrogen content increased from 6.28 to 7.01 wt.%. The decrease in acidity is desirable for the use
of upgraded bio-oil.