Sustainable development and enhancement of cracking processes using metallic composites

Abstract

Metallic composites represent a vital class of materials that has gained increased attention in crude oil processing as well as the production of biofuel from other sources in recent times. Several catalytic materials have been reported in the literature for catalytic cracking, particularly, of crude oil. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of existing and emerging methods/technologies such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), metal–matrix composites (MMCs), and catalytic support materials, to bridge information gaps toward sustainable advancement in catalysis for petrochemical processes. There is an increase in industrial and environmental concern emanating from the sulphur levels of oils, hence the need to develop more efficient catalysts in the hydrotreatment (HDS and HDN) processes, and combating the challenge of catalyst poisoning and deactivation; in a bid to improving the overall quality of oils and sustainable use of catalyst. Structural improvement, high thermal stability, enhanced cracking potential, and environmental sustainability represent the various benefits accrued to the use of metallic composites as opposed to conventional catalysts employed in catalytic cracking processes.