Advances in Catalytic Hydrogenation of Oil with Novel Catalytic Systems

Sihan Zhang

doi:10.54254/2755-2721/2026.KA27672

Applied and Computational EngineeringOpen access

Advances in Catalytic Hydrogenation of Oil with Novel Catalytic Systems

Research Article

Open Access

Advances in Catalytic Hydrogenation of Oil with Novel Catalytic Systems

Sihan Zhang ^1*

¹ Shanghai Ocean University

^*Corresponding author: pdnlxxyyg5c5@126.com

Published on 14 October 2025

ACE Vol.192

ISSN (Print): 2755-273X

ISSN (Online): 2755-2721

ISBN (Print): 纸质出版ISBN 978-1-80590-397-0

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-398-7

Download Cover

Abstract

Traditionally, nickel-based catalysts (e.g., Raney Ni or Ni/Al₂O₃) have been used due to their low cost and high activity. However, Ni catalysts tend to yield excessive saturation and trans-fat isomers, which are undesirable for health. In recent years, intensive research has focused on new catalytic systems to improve selectivity, activity, and environmental performance. This review briefly surveys conventional catalysts and then focuses on two classes of novel catalysts: advanced supported metal catalysts (including noble metals and promoted Ni catalysts) and bimetallic or alloy catalysts. For each system, the article discusses the hydrogenation mechanism, observed activity and selectivity (particularly toward cis monoenes), catalyst stability and regeneration, as well as industrial scale-up potential and environmental impact (e.g., trans-fat formation, energy requirements). Emerging catalyst-free technologies (e.g., plasma hydrogenation) are also highlighted. The paper concludes with perspectives on designing catalysts that meet food-industry demands (high cis-selectivity, low trans content) while minimizing energy use and harmful by-products.

Keywords:

Catalytic Hydrogenation, Novel Catalytic Systems, cis-Selectivity, Bimetallic /Alloy Catalysts

View PDF

References

[1]. Spiekermann, M. L., & Seidensticker, T. (2024). Catalytic processes for the selective hydrogenation of fats and oils: reevaluating a mature technology for feedstock diversification. Catalysis Science & Technology, 14, 2770–2787.

[2]. Herrera-Guzmán, K., Francisco-Bustos, S. A., Torales, E., Peña-Jiménez, J. A., Gaviño, R., García-Ríos, E., ... & Cárdenas, J. (2025). Partial hydrogenation of soybean oil over a Pd/bentonite catalyst. RSC advances, 15(18), 14292-14306.

[3]. Gabrovska, M., Nikolova, D., Radonjić, V., Karashanova, D., Baeva, A., Parvanova-Mancheva, T., ... & Krstić, J. (2024). Structure engineering of Ni/SiO2 vegetable oil hydrogenation catalyst via CeO2. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(14), 7585.

[4]. Pasqual Laverdura, U., Rossi, L., Courson, C., Zarli, A., & Gallucci, K. (2023). Selective catalytic hydrogenation of vegetable oils over copper-based catalysts supported on amorphous silica. Energies, 16(20), 7201.

[5]. Dewi, H. P., & Nishimura, S. (2025). Hydrogenation of dodecanoic acid over iridium-based catalysts. Catalysts, 15(4), 404.

[6]. Umenweke, G. C., Pace, R., Récalt, T., Heintz, O., Caboche, G., & Santillan-Jimenez, E. (2025). Support Effects on Fe-or Cu-Promoted Ni Catalysts Used in the Catalytic Deoxygenation of Tristearin to Fuel-like Hydrocarbons. Catalysts, 15(5), 501.

[7]. Andrade, L. C., Muchave, G. J., Maciel, S. T., da Silva, I. P., da Silva, G. F., Almeida, J. M., & Aranda, D. A. (2022). Vegetable Oil and Derivates Hydroprocessing Using Ni as Catalyst for the Production of Hydrocarbons. International Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2022(1), 6402004.

[8]. Wongjaikham, W., Wongsawaeng, D., Ngaosuwan, K., Kiatkittipong, W., & Assabumrungrat, S. (2023). Review of non-thermal plasma technology for hydrogenation of vegetable oils and biodiesel. Engineering Journal, 27(5), 1-27.

[9]. Shomchoam, B., & Yoosuk, B. (2020). Eco-friendly lubricant by partial hydrogenation of palm oil over Pd/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst. ACS Omega, 5(14), 22901–22913.

References

[5]. Dewi, H. P., & Nishimura, S. (2025). Hydrogenation of dodecanoic acid over iridium-based catalysts. Catalysts, 15(4), 404.

[9]. Shomchoam, B., & Yoosuk, B. (2020). Eco-friendly lubricant by partial hydrogenation of palm oil over Pd/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst. ACS Omega, 5(14), 22901–22913.

Cite this article

Zhang,S. (2025). Advances in Catalytic Hydrogenation of Oil with Novel Catalytic Systems. Applied and Computational Engineering,192,1-6.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of CONF-MCEE 2026 Symposium: Advances in Sustainable Aviation and Aerospace Vehicle Automation

ISBN: 纸质出版ISBN 978-1-80590-397-0(Print) / 978-1-80590-398-7(Online)

Editor: Ömer Burak İSTANBULLU

Conference website: https://2025.confmcee.org/kayseri.html

Conference date: 14 November 2025

Series: Applied and Computational Engineering

Volume number: Vol.192

ISSN: 2755-2721(Print) / 2755-273X(Online)

© 2024 by the author(s). Licensee EWA Publishing, Oxford, UK. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. Authors who publish this series agree to the following terms:

1. Authors retain copyright and grant the series right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this series.

2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the series's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this series.

3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See Open access policy for details).