No description available.

Ces travaux de thèse ont été développés dans un contexte de motivation générale de développement de modes de transport plus électrifiés et plus respectueux de l'environnement, dans le but de réduire considérablement les émissions de gaz à l'effet de serre. Plus particulièrement l'objectif de ce projet de thèse a été d'étudier la faisabilité d'un concept de génération d'hydrogène à bord, par déshydrogénation catalytique partielle (PDh) du carburant, permettent d'obtenir de l'hydrogène pour alimenter une pile à combustibles embarquée en replacement des unités de puissance auxiliaires. Dans un même temps le combustible qui n'est que partiellement déshydrogéné conserve ses propriétés et peut être réinjecté dans le pool de carburant. Cette thèse est divisée en deux grandes parties. Une première partie décrit les travaux de recherche sur la déshydrogénation partielle du kérosène pour la production d'hydrogène à bord d'un avion. Le choix du catalyseur est crucial, il doit permettre de produire de l'hydrogène de haute pureté sans compromettre les propriétés d'origine du kérosène. Des matériaux avancés, composés de métaux imprégnés sur des nouveaux supports ont été développés, caractérisés et évalués en tant que catalyseur dans la réaction de PDh. L'influence de la composition du catalyseur sur son activité, sélectivité et durée de vie ainsi que les mécanismes de désactivation ont été étudiés. Un matériau catalytique optimisé composé d'une phase active de 1% Pt - 1 % Sn (m/m) supporté sur une γ-alumine à porosité contrôlée, a permis une production d'hydrogène de 3500 NL•h-1•kgcat-1, avec une pureté de 97,6% vol. et un temps de vie de 79 h, ce qui correspond à une puissance électrique fournie par une pile à combustible de 3,5 kW.La deuxième partie du manuscrit décrit une étude sur le diesel et l'essence et sur la faisabilité de la génération d'hydrogène par PDh des carburants autres que le kérosène. Les résultats obtenus avec le même matériau sont encourageants et montre une application possible dans des domaines de transports autres que l'aviation. Les résultats les plus significatifs obtenus avec des substituts de gasoil et d'essence sont respectivement des valeurs de productivité d'hydrogène de 3500 et 1800 NL•h-1•kgcat-1 avec des temps de vie de 29 et 376 h et une pureté supérieur à 99 % vol. pour le deux. / This thesis work have been developed in the general context of the development of more electrified and environmentally friendly means of transport, in order to significantly reduce greenhouse gases emissions. More specifically, the objective of this thesis project was to study the feasibility of the concept of on-board hydrogen generation by catalytic partial dehydrogenation (PDh) of fuel. The hydrogen produced serves to power a fuel cell system that replaces vehicles auxiliary power units. At the same time the fuel, that is only partially dehydrogenated, maintains its properties and can be re-injected into the fuel pool.This thesis is divided into two main parts. The first part describes the research on the PDh of kerosene to produce hydrogen on-board an aircraft. The choice of the catalyst is crucial: it should allow to produce high purity hydrogen without compromising the original properties of kerosene. Advanced materials, composed by metals impregnated on different supports, have been developed, characterized and evaluated as a catalysts in the reaction of PDh. The influence of catalyst composition on the activity, selectivity and stability as well as the deactivation mechanisms were studied. One of the optimized catalytic materials, composed of a 1% Pt - Sn 1% (w/w) active phase supported on a γ-alumina with controlled porosity, allowed a hydrogen production of 3500 NL•h-1•kgcat-1, with a purity of 97.6% vol. and a lifetime of 79 h, which corresponds to 3.5 kW of electric power supplied by fuel cells.The second part of the manuscript describes a study on diesel and gasoline and asses the feasibility of hydrogen generation by PDh of fuels different from kerosene. The results obtained with the previously mentioned catalyst are encouraging and show the possibility of applying this concept to other fields of transportation beside the aviation. The most significant results obtained with gasoline and diesel surrogates are respectively a hydrogen productivity value of 3500 et 1800 NL•h-1•kgcat-1 with lifetimes of 29 and 376 h and a purity that exceeds 99% vol. in both cases.

With increasing legislative demands to remove nitrogen oxides (NOx) from automotive diesel exhaust, new catalyst systems are investigated and intensely studied in industry as well in academia. The most prevailing catalytic method of choice is the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) where non-toxic urea is used as a reductant for practical reasons. Usually urea is stored in a separate tank and once injected into the exhaust system it hydrolyses into the more aggressive reductant NH3 and CO2. 4 NH3 + 4 NO + O2 -> 4 N2 + 6 H2O (NH3-SCR reaction) In regions where vanadium is not banned cost effective V2O5/WO3/TiO2 NH3-SCR catalyst systems can be used. Vanadium based are well understood, but they do however not provide stability above ca. 550 °C for longer periods of time. In exhaust treatment systems where the temperature is either high or where high temperature excursions are experienced from e.g. regeneration of particulate filters, zeolite based catalysts are therefore today the most promising candidates as high-temperature stable and non-toxic catalysts for the NH3-SCR reaction. Among the most promising candidates are the Cu- and Fe-based zeolites. Usually Fe based zeolites show good performance in the temperature range 250-500 °C and reasonable stability, whereas Cu-based zeolites show good low-temperature activity in the 180-400 °C range. The presence of copper does however also lead to a lower stability of the catalyst material. Since the low-temperature activity is of paramount importance it is necessary to improve this behavior. Therefore the purpose of this project is to investigate: - The deactivation mechanism of copper based zeolites - The influence of the zeolite framework on stability and activity These investigations should mostly be carried out on model systems such as Cu-ZSM-5 and Cu-IM-5. Recently it was found that zeolite materials with the CHA-type structure show increased hydrothermal stability, most likely originating from the small 8-MR window openings in the structure. Part of the project should therefore also include investigations on this type and other similar structures, and therefore entail: - Synthesis, in-depth characterization and catalytic testing of Cu-SSZ-13 and Cu-SAPO-34 (both structures having the CHA-type framework) - Theoretical DFT calculations on relevant parameters found by the in-depth investigation of the afore-mentioned materials - Synthesis and testing of similar materials with 8-MR windows to elucidate the influence of the zeolite sub-structure i.e. if different ring sizes in the structure influences the catalytic performance Relevant characterization techniques include, besides conventional methods, in situ methods such as: high resolution (transmission) electron microscopy, infrared (and raman) spectroscopy together with X-ray absorption spectroscopy. These are all techniques that will complement each other to produce invaluable results. Zeolites are today applied in many and diverse applications both within automotive and environmental catalysis, but also within the petrochemical and renewable chemistry. The findings of this project are therefore also believed to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of this class of materials, relevant to many areas of heterogeneous catalysis, and therefore have the potential, to create research and business with very high impact. / Vennestrom, PNR. (2014). Selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides with ammonia over microporous zeolite catalysts [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/43217 / TESIS

Grâce à ses propriétés optiques originales, une NanoParticule d’Or (NPO) excitée peut se comporter comme une nano-source de lumière, de chaleur et d’électrons chauds. Ces propriétés plasmoniques remarquables sont exploitées dans de nombreuses transformations chimiques. Dans ce contexte, la photocatalyse plasmonique basée sur le transfert d’électrons entre une NPO et un semi-conducteur a été proposée. Cependant, peu d’études sont centrées sur l’influence du plasmon et la contribution respective de ses effets locaux (thermiques et électroniques) sur ce transfert utilisé en photocatalyse. Ici, nous abordons ces problématiques à travers 3 réactions catalytiques. Premièrement, nous montrons la faisabilité de l'oxydation efficace et sélective de glycérol sans aucune source externe de chaleur grâce à l’effet thermoplasmonique local de la NPO. Nous étudions ensuite la dégradation de bisphénol-A sur différents supports catalytiques. Nos résultats montrent que la NPO joue un rôle primordial à travers le transfert d’électrons mais aussi en tant que nano-source de chaleur permettant d’accélérer la cinétique et d’éliminer ainsi totalement et rapidement ce perturbateur endocrinien. Enfin, nous avons développé un montage optique pour étudier la dégradation de polluants à l'échelle nanométrique. Pour cela, nous avons réalisé un système hybride à base de NPOs couplées à un nanofilm de TiO2 par structuration laser. Nos travaux montrent que l’activité catalytique est corrélée aux dimensions structurales des NPOs. Ces résultats ouvrent la voie vers l'exploitation de nombreux processus industriels sous lumière solaire / The excitation of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) of Gold NanoParticles (GNPs) can give many physical effects such as near-field enhancement, heat generation and hot electron injection, which have been investigated in many chemical transformations. In that context, the plasmonic photocatalysis based on electron transfer from GNP to a semi-conductor has been proposed. However, few studies are focused on the influence of LSPR features and the respective contribution of its local effects (thermal and electronic) on the photocatalytic activity. These issues are addressed herein through 3 catalytic reactions. First, the efficient and selective oxidation of glycerol in the presence of supported GNPs is demonstrated under laser irradiation and without any external source of heat, thanks to the local heat generation and hot electron transfer. The respective contributions of these effects is further investigated in plasmonic photocatalysis by following the degradation of Bisphenol-A. Our results show that GNP plays a major role through hot electron transfer but also as a nano-source of heat that accelerates the reaction and leads to a fast and total elimination of this endocrine disruptor. Finally, an optical set-up is developed for studying the plasmonic photocatalysis at the nanoscale. For this, a hybrid system of GNPs coupled to a TiO2 nanofilm is realized by laser nanostructuring. Our investigations show that photocatalytic activity is correlated to the LSPR (size and shape of GNPs, hot spots). These results open the way for exploiting valuable and industrial reactions under solar light

This dissertation focuses on the assessment and development of heterogeneous catalysts for the deperoxidation of cyclohexyl hydroperoxide and oxidation of cyclohexane, which will be based in metal oxides and gold nanoparticles. For this endeavour a multidisciplinary approach will be used combining theoretical chemistry, kinetic studies and synthesis and characterisation of materials. The starting choice for the catalyst to carry out the process is supported gold nanoparticles. The approach of this dissertation is to first model the mecha- nism of cyclohexyl hydroperoxide decomposition and oxidation of cyclohexane on gold nanoparticles by theoretical calculations, and use these findings to synthesise efficient heterogeneous catalysts which will be subsequently tested and optimised experimentally. But as it will be seen, some metal oxides are active rather than acting as mere supports, which will also be studied both theoretical and experimentally. Each chapter has a specific focus and constitutes a strand of the overall goal: Chapter 1 provides an introductory background on the topics that this dissertation lies upon: oxidation of cyclohexane, heterogeneous catalysis and catalysis by gold and metal oxides. Chapter 2 outlines the objectives of the thesis, formulating the relevant hypotheses of this research and the subsequent validation tests. Chapter 3 exposes the methodology with a brief conceptual background that has been used to carry out this work. Chapter 4 is the first chapter dealing with results. It consists in a theoretical study using density functional theory of the reaction mechanism over different models of gold nanoparticles, in order to study the influence of several parameters on their catalytic activity: the particle size, atom coordination, and presence of additional species like oxygen atoms and water. Chapter 5 uses the findings found in chapter 4 to drive the synthesis of supported gold nanoparticles. It consists in a experimental study of gold-based catalysts, which is combined with a theoretical study which takes into account an additional variable: the support. Chapter 6 exploits one of the findings of chapter 5. One of the supports used for anchoring the gold nanoparticles is active by itself, namely cerium oxide. This chapter comprises an experimental work about its activity, studying parameters like particle size, morphology and the effect of doping. Chapter 7 continues with the catalytic activity of cerium oxide-based materials, but now from a theoretical point of view. It first presents a systematic study of the parameters relevant for the proper quantum mechanical description of cerium oxide, which is followed by a mechanistic study on different models. Chapter 8 outlines the conclusions obtained in this dissertation, present- ing them in a summarised way. Even though each chapter presents its corresponding conclusions at its end, this chapter groups them all in a structured way for the reader's convenience, so a global view of the project can be swiftly grasped. The results herein further the knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis for the oxidation of cyclohexane, one of the most important industrial reactions, and which continues to be a challenge. Although the ultimate goal is to develop an industrial catalyst, the dissertation also aims to show how computational chemistry can drive the design of novel materials, and how it can help to understand catalytic reactions at the atomic level. / El presente trabajo se centra en el estudio y desarrollo de catalizadores heterogéneos para la desperoxidación de ciclohexil hidroperóxido y la oxidación de ciclohexano, basados en óxidos metálicos y nanopartículas de Au. Para lograr tal objetivo se ha usado un enfoque multidisciplinar, que combina química teórica y estudios cinéticos, a la vez que síntesis y caracterización de materiales. El candidato inicial para llevar a cabo el proceso consiste en partículas de Au soportadas. El camino a seguir pasa primero por modelizar el mecanismo de descomposición de ciclohexil hidroperóxido y oxidación de ciclohexano mediante cálculos teóricos, y utilizar el conocimiento generado por este estudio para dictar la síntesis de catalizadores heterogéneos, comprobando y optimizando posteriormente su actividad de forma experimental. Sin embargo, como será visto a lo largo de este trabajo, algunos óxidos metálicos dejan de lado su papel como mero soporte físico para las partículas de Au y son activos por sí mismos. Tal hecho será estudiado tanto teórica como experimentalmente. Cada capítulo tiene un objetivo específico, y es a su vez una parte del objetivo global de esta investigación: El capítulo 1 provee al lector de una breve introducción a los temas sobre los que yace este trabajo: oxidación de ciclohexano, catálisis heterogénea y catálisis mediante Au y óxidos metálicos. El capítulo 2 expone de una forma breve y concisa los objetivos de esta investigación, formulando la hipótesis de partida y los correspondientes experimentos para su validación. El capítulo 3 describe la metodología utilizada junto a una explicación de los fundamentos en los que se basa cada técnica. El capítulo 4 es el primer capítulo que discute los resultados obtenidos en esta investigación. Se trata de un estudio usando la teoria del funcional de densidad para investigar el mecanismo de reacción del proceso sobre diferentes modelos teóricos de Au, con el objetivo de comprender la influencia de diversos factores en la actividad catalítica, tales como el tamaño de partícula, la coordinación de los á'tomos de Au y la presencia de especies adicionales como átomos de O y agua. El capítulo 5 hace uso de los resultados obtenidos en el estudio anterior, y los utiliza para dirigir la síntesis de nanopartículas soportadas de Au. Se trata de un estudio experimental en el que se investigan diversos factores que pueden afectar a su actividad catalítica. Este estudio se combina a su vez con uno de tipo teórico en el que se tiene en cuenta la influencia del soporte en la actividad catalítica de las particulas de Au. El capítulo 6 se basa en uno de los resultados obtenidos en el capítulo 5. Uno de los soportes utilizados para anclar las partículas de Au resulta de por sí activo: el CeO2. Su notable actividad para catalizar este proceso exige un estudio en mayor profundidad, el cual se lleva a cabo en este capítulo. Parámetros como el tamaño de particula, la morfología de superficie y el dopaje entre otros se investigan en este punto. El capítulo 7 sigue la estela del trabajo anterior sobre CeO2, pero ahora desde el punto de vista de la química teórica. Presenta primero un estudio sistemático de parámetros relacionados con la mecánica cuá'ntica que afectan al CeO2, con el objetivo de alcanzar una descripción satisfactoria de los modelos teóricos para este óxido. Tras esto, se lleva a cabo un estudio del mecanismo de reacción en dichos modelos de CeO2, a fin de comprender el origen de su actividad catalítica. El capítulo 8 presenta de forma estructurada y concisa todas las conclusiones que se han sacado a raíz de los resultados obtenidos. Aún a pesar de que cada capítulo presenta sus correspondientes conclusiones al final, aquí se presentan de una forma agrupada a comodidad del lector, para que pueda obtener de forma ágil una visión global de los resultados de esta investigación. / Aquest treball es centra en l'estudi i desenvolupament de catalitzadors hetero- genis per a la desperoxidació de ciclohexil hidroperòxid i la oxidació de ciclohexà, basats en òxids metàl·lics i nanopartícules de Au. Per aconseguir aquest objectiu s'ha utilitzat un enfocament multidisciplinari, en el qual es combinen química teòrica i estudis cinètics amb síntesi i caracterització de materials. El candidat inicial per dur a terme el procés consisteix en partícules de Au suportades. El camí a seguir passa primer per modelitzar el mecanisme de descomposició del ciclohexil hidroperòxid i la oxidació de ciclohexà mitjançant càlculs teòrics, i utilitzar el coneixement generat per aquest estudi per dirigir la síntesi de catalitzadors heterogenis, comprovant i optimitzant posteriorment la seua activitat de forma experimental. No obstant això, com es veurà al llarg d'aquest treball, alguns òxids metàl·lics deixen de costat el seu paper com a suport físic de les partícules de Au y són actius per si mateixos. Aquest fet s'ha estudiat tant teòrica com experimentalment. Cada capítol té un objectiu específic i és al mateix temps una part de l'objectiu global d'aquesta recerca: El capítol 1 proporciona al lector una breu introducció als temes tractats en aquest treball: oxidació de ciclohexà, catàlisi heterogènia i catàlisi mitjançant Au i òxids metàl·lics. El capítol 2 exposa d'una forma breu i concisa els objectius d'aquesta investigació, formulant la hipòtesi inicial i els corresponents experiments per a la seua validació. El capítol 3 descriu la metodologia utilitzada conjuntament amb una explicació dels fonaments en els quals es basa cada tècnica. El capítol 4 és el primer capítol que discuteix els resultats obtinguts en aquesta investigació. Es tracta d'un estudi usant la teoria del funcional de densitat per investigar el mecanisme de reacció del procés en diferents models teòrics de Au, amb l'objectiu de comprendre la influència en l'activitat catalítica de diversos factors, com ara la grandària de partícula, la coordinació dels àtoms de Au i la presencia d'espècies addicionals, com àtoms de O i aigua. El capítol 5 fa ús dels resultats obtinguts en l'estudi anterior, i els utilitza per dirigir la síntesi de nanopartícules suportades de Au. Es tracta d'un estudi experimental en el qual s'investiguen diversos factors que poden afectar a la seua activitat catalítica. Aquest estudi es combina amb un altre de caràcter teòric en el qual es té en compte la influència del suport en la activitat catalítica de les partícules de Au. El capítol 6 es basa en un dels resultats obtinguts en el capítol 5. Un dels suports utilitzats per fixar les partícules de Au resulta de per si actiu: el CeO2. La seua notable activitat per catalitzar aquest procés demana un estudi de major profunditat, el qual es duu a terme en aquest capítol. Paràmetres com la grandària de partícula, la morfologia de superfície i el dopatge, entre altres, s'investiguen en aquest punt. El capítol 7 continua l'estudi anterior sobre el CeO2, però ara des del punt de vista de la química teòrica. Presenta en primer lloc un es- tudi sistemàtic de paràmetres relacionats amb la mecànica quàntica que afecten al CeO2, amb l'objectiu d'aconseguir una descripció satisfactòria pels models teòrics d'aquest òxid. Després, es duu a terme un estudi del mecanisme de reacció en aquests models de CeO2, a fi de com- prendre l'origen de la seua activitat catalítica. El capítol 8 presenta de forma estructurada i concisa totes les conclusions que s'han extret arran dels resultats obtinguts. Encara que cada capí- tol presenta les seues corresponents conclusions al final, ací es presenten d'una forma agrupada per a la comoditat del lector, per què puga obtindre de forma àgil una visió global dels result d'una forma agrupada per a la comoditat del lector, per què puga obtindre de forma à / López Auséns, JT. (2016). From Quantum Mechanics to Catalysis: Studies on the oxidation of alkanes by gold and metal oxides [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/76806 / TESIS

Previous studies have successfully used near and supercritical water (SCW) for cracking and desulfurization of heavy crude oil and bio-oil, suppressing coke formation as a low-value by-product. Some of these studies benefited from using zeolite catalysts to increase the activity and selectivity toward targeted products; however, in depth studies are required to identify the role of water on zeolite catalysis under supercritical condition. Using three common zeolites, ZSM-5, HY, and β for supercritical water cracking of dodecane at 400°C, 24±2 MPa (in a 100 ml batch reactor), we showed that ZSM-5 is the only catalyst that partially retains its crystalline structure and activity under hydrothermal conditions. Further characterization of the ZSM-5 (used under 50/50 wt% SCW/dodecane feed) revealed 95% decrease in Brønsted acid site (BAS) density and 80% decrease in microporous area after 2 h reaction time. However, compared to the runs where SCW was absent, the apparent dodecane cracking rate constant in SCW decreased only by a factor of 2.6. Examining catalytic activity of ZSM-5 degradation products and re-using ZSM-5 showed that the unexpected activity cannot be ascribed to ZSM-5 degradation products. Using a group-type model, we showed that SCW accelerated gas and suppressed coke formations. Additionally a coke gasification pathway was suggested to account for formation of CO and CO2 in the presence of SCW. Additional experiments with two different ZSM-5 particle sizes suggested that dodecane cracking reaction is diffusion-limited in the absence of SCW and reaction-limited in its presence. Zero length chromatography of calcined and hydrothermally treated ZSM-5 showed 10 times greater apparent diffusivity for un-treated catalyst. This, according to Weisz-Prater analysis, suggested a 250 times greater dodecane surface concentration in the absence of SCW. We successfully optimized the water content of feed (5-15 wt%) to decrease the destructive effects of SCW on the structure, increase the selectivity toward BTEX products and eliminate coke formation.

Research was curried out on the perovskite systems with general formula A1-xA‘xB1-yB‘yO3± (where A=La, Sm, A´=Ca, B´=Al, B=Co,Fe,Mn and Cr). Perovskite oxides were sythesized by polymerisation methods and characterised by RTG analysis, BET method, SEM and EDX. TPD spectra and catalyst testing were measured in high temperature plug flow reactor and products were analysed by mass spectrometry. It was found, that metane oxidation at ratio O2/CH40,5 depended on the temperature. Total oxidation proceeded at the temperature betwen 300-700oC to the carbon dioxide and water, while the partial oxidation of metane (POM) occured at above 700oC to the hydrogen and carbon oxid (syngas). This was ascribed by equilibrium of O2 betwen gas phase and solid perovskite. There was used 12 perovskite systems, which catalysed methane oxidation by the same way. Dry reforming of methane run above temperature 700oC. Cobaltite and ferite type perovskites were found as the most active catalytic systems. On the base of obtained results the Mars van Krevelen mechanism was established for explanation of oxidation and reformation of methane by perovskite systems. It was showed, that POM was running by two steps mechanism. Products of total oxidation was occured in the first step, which were passed over to the syngas (H2+CO) in the second step.

The thesis is focused on the investigation of fundamental catalytic properties of two model catalysts-CeOx/Cu(111) and CuOx/Cu(111)-by means of advanced surface science techniques. The investigations performed on CeOx are devoted to the study of the relationship between the surface structure and the surface activity of ceria. We develop the preparation method leading to growth of epitaxial CeOx(111) thin films with the adjustable morphological parameters-the step density and the ordering of surface oxygen vacancies. By using the CeOx(111) films with precisely controlled structure we identify the role of the step edges and of the oxygen vacancies in the interaction of water with ceria. The investigation performed on CuOx is focused on the microscopic characterization of the reduction process of Cu2O(111) on the molecular level directly under a near ambient pressure of CO. In direct microscopic study we identify the active initiation centers, the intermediate oxide phases, and the kinetics of the reduction reaction of Cu2O(111).

Catalysts based on cerium oxide are ubiquitous in industrial-scale chemical conversion. Here, a thorough study of their fundamental properties is undertaken via a model system ap- proach with the goal of furthering rational design in heterogeneous catalysis. A focus is put on understanding the behavior of oxygen vacancies in cerium oxide with respect to atomic co-ordination and electronic structure perturbations. Utilizing state-of-the-art probing tech- niques, a scalable model system framework is developed that allows for control over both the oxygen vacancy concentration and local co-ordination. High precision of the innova- tive approach facilitated observation of new phases of substoichiometric cerium oxide and lead to a first-of-a-kind investigation of the electronic structure of cerium oxide throughout isostructural transition from CeO2 to Ce2O3. The acquired results advance fundamental understanding of essential properties of cerium oxide that are relevant to its utilization in heterogeneous catalysis and open new pathways for functionalization of cerium oxide-based materials. Furthermore, the methodology developed in the thesis is transferable to other important reducible oxides. 1

Previous studies have successfully used near and supercritical water (SCW) for cracking and desulfurization of heavy crude oil and bio-oil, suppressing coke formation as a low-value by-product. Some of these studies benefited from using zeolite catalysts to increase the activity and selectivity toward targeted products; however, in depth studies are required to identify the role of water on zeolite catalysis under supercritical condition. Using three common zeolites, ZSM-5, HY, and β for supercritical water cracking of dodecane at 400°C, 24±2 MPa (in a 100 ml batch reactor), we showed that ZSM-5 is the only catalyst that partially retains its crystalline structure and activity under hydrothermal conditions. Further characterization of the ZSM-5 (used under 50/50 wt% SCW/dodecane feed) revealed 95% decrease in Brønsted acid site (BAS) density and 80% decrease in microporous area after 2 h reaction time. However, compared to the runs where SCW was absent, the apparent dodecane cracking rate constant in SCW decreased only by a factor of 2.6. Examining catalytic activity of ZSM-5 degradation products and re-using ZSM-5 showed that the unexpected activity cannot be ascribed to ZSM-5 degradation products. Using a group-type model, we showed that SCW accelerated gas and suppressed coke formations. Additionally a coke gasification pathway was suggested to account for formation of CO and CO2 in the presence of SCW. Additional experiments with two different ZSM-5 particle sizes suggested that dodecane cracking reaction is diffusion-limited in the absence of SCW and reaction-limited in its presence. Zero length chromatography of calcined and hydrothermally treated ZSM-5 showed 10 times greater apparent diffusivity for un-treated catalyst. This, according to Weisz-Prater analysis, suggested a 250 times greater dodecane surface concentration in the absence of SCW. We successfully optimized the water content of feed (5-15 wt%) to decrease the destructive effects of SCW on the structure, increase the selectivity toward BTEX products and eliminate coke formation.