Highly efficient synthesis of high-density biofuels from biomass-derived α-pinene catalyzed by mesoporous H-ZSM-5

Catalytic valorization of biomass into high energy density fuels plays a vital role in order to achieve future carbon neutrality. Herein, a class of H-MZ-5 catalysts with different mesoporous pore structures and acid site properties were synthesized. Among them, HMZ-5 prepared with tetrapropylammonium bromide (TPABr) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as templating agents showed the most excellent catalytic activity and selectivity of alpha-pinene dimerization. Under optimal catalytic conditions, 100% alpha-pinene was converted with 89.6% selectivity to dimers. The efficient catalytic activity and affordability of the catalysts in this system make it promising for industrial applications.