No description available.

Determinations of design parameters and investigation on operation performance of a tar removal system for gas cleaning of biomass producer gas have been undertaken. The presence of the tars in the producer gas has been the major hindrance for the commercialisation of the biomass gasification technology for power generation, hydrogen production, Fischer Tropsch (FT) synthesis, chemical synthesis and synthetic natural gas (SNG) synthesis. The characteristic of the tars to condense at reduced temperatures cause problems in the downstream processing as the tars can block and foul the downstream process equipment such as gas engines reactor channels, fuel cells, etc. Considerable efforts have been directed at the removal of tars from the producer gas where the tars can be either chemically converted into lighter molecular weight molecules or physically transferred from gas phase to liquid or solid phase. In the former, the tars have been removed in a scrubber by transferring them from the producer gas to a scrubbing liquid and then removed from the liquid to air in a stripper and finally recycled them into air to a gasifier to recover their energy. A tar removal test system involving a scrubber and stripper has been designed based on the predicted tar solubility in canola methyl ester (CME) as the scrubbing liquid and its measured properties (CME is a type of methyl ester biodiesel). The tar solubility has been predicted to decrease with increasing temperatures and thus its value increases at lower temperatures. In designing the test system, the design parameters are needed including equilibrium coefficients of the gas-liquid system, molar transfer coefficient and the optimum liquid to gas flow rate ratio. The equilibrium coefficients have been predicted based on thermodynamic theories where the required data are determined from CME composition and known properties of each component of the CME as well as the properties of the model tar (naphthalene). The molar transfer coefficients are then experimentally determined and the correlations as a function of liquid and gas flow rates are proposed which are consistent with literature. The optimum liquid to gas flow rate ratios have been found to be 21.4±0.1 for the scrubber and 5.7±0.1 for the stripper. Using these optimum ratios, the tar removal efficiencies in the scrubber and the stripper are 77 and 74%, respectively. The analysis of the system performance has been achieved after an innovative method of determining tar concentrations in both the liquid and gas phase had been developed based on the concept of the density of liquid mixtures. However, these tar removal efficiencies are low due to the fact that the targeted tar concentration in the scrubber’s off-gas was large. As a result the system has been redesigned based on the determined design parameters and its operation performance retested. In the redesigned system, the tar removal efficiency in the scrubber and stripper is 99%. The redesigned system would be integrated with the UC gasifier for downstream gas cleaning. Since 1% of tars are not removed, a makeup tar free CME of 0.0375 litres per hour for the 100kW UC gasifier has been introduced in the recycle stream between the scrubber and stripper to avoid tar accumulation in the system.

Les substances naturelles utilisées pour leur propriété adhésive et hydrophobe sont rarement considérés pour les périodes pré- et protohistoriques en Méditerranée nord-occidentale. Pourtant, ces matériaux sont porteurs d’informations techniques, économiques, sociales et environnementales des sociétés du passé.Des marqueurs de l’exploitation du milieu végétal et animal sous forme de produits bruts (résines, cire d’abeille, graisses, bitume) ou transformés (brai de bouleau, goudron de pin, mélanges de substances) ont été identifiés par les techniques de l’archéologie biomoléculaire.Une approche expérimentale a permis de mieux comprendre des segments des chaînes opératoires de fabrication du brai de bouleau et a contribué à la distinction de différents systèmes de production Néolithique sur la base de critères moléculaires.Afin d’évaluer les stratégies d’acquisition des matières premières végétales nous avons intégré dans une approche spatiale un modèle actualiste de végétation couplé aux données archéobotaniques.Les résultats obtenus montrent l’utilisation prépondérante du brai de bouleau au Néolithique. Selon les aires chrono-culturelles, il semble issu de différents systèmes de production et a parfois été transféré. Le bitume, en revanche, semble uniquement exploité localement. Une diversification des substances (cire d’abeille ou résines de Pinaceae), suggérant des modes d’exploitation différents, est plus perceptible au Chasséen où une intensification de l’usage de ces matériaux semble se dessiner.À l’âge du Fer, le goudron de pin est majoritairement exploité en Méditerranée. Le brai de bouleau est uniquement identifié au sein des sociétés protohistoriques corses. / Natural substances and transformed organic products used for their adhesive and hydrophobic properties are rarely considered for the pre- and protohistorical periods in the North Western Mediterranean. These materials can however provide technological, economic, social and environmental information about ancient societies.A biomolecular approach was applied to answer questions related to the different types of natural substances exploited by ancient communities. Plant and animal products were identified as raw materials (resins, beeswax, fats or bitumen), or as processed (birch bar tar, pine tar, and mixtures).Experimental work allowed a better understanding of the chaîne opératoire required for the production of birch bark tar. Results showed that it is possible to distinguish between the different manufacturing processes based on molecular criteria.To investigate procurement strategies of plant raw materials, archaeobotanical data was integrated using a spatial approach.The analysis carried out has shown that Birch bark tar was found to be the major product utilised during the Neolithic, its method of production varying depending on the chrono-cultural area. This resource was also sometime transferred. Bitumen, on the other hand, was exploited only when locally available. A diversification of materials (beeswax and Pinaceae resins), suggesting different methods of procurement and processing, was mostly apparent for the Chassey culture, where there appears to be intensification in the use.During the Iron Age, pine tar is the major product in the Mediterranean area. Birch bark tar was only identified in Corsican protohistorical societies.

L'Europe est confrontée à des défis climatiques et énergétiques et vise à accroître l'utilisation de la biomasse dans la production d'énergies renouvelables. De nombreuses difficultés technologiques persistent, par exemple, la gazéification de la biomasse produit un gaz de synthèse riche en goudrons et H2S qui peuvent conduire à une désactivation des catalyseurs dans les réacteurs en aval. Notre objectif a été de développer des catalyseurs stables qui peuvent réformer complètement ces hydrocarbures contenus dans le gaz de synthèse. Des nanoparticules de nickel encapsulées dans des monocristaux de silicalite-1 creusée formant une cavité unique ("single-hollow") ont été étudiées. L'encapsulation a pour but de limiter le frittage des particules et le cokage dans des conditions de reformage difficiles. Le frittage de ces particules au sein de chaque monocristal a cependant été observé. La synthèse d'une nouvelle structure creusée (c'est-à-dire un monocristal de zéolites avec de multiples cavités mésoporeuses, nommé "multi-hollow") a été développée. L'exclusion en taille de composés aromatiques larges par la membrane l'échantillon a été démontré. Ce matériau a également permis d'améliorer la dispersion initiale des nanoparticules métalliques. L'activité de l'échantillon a cependant été affectée par deux facteurs principaux associés aux étapes de préparation, c'està- dire la formation d'une couche de silice à la surface des particules et d'un empoisonnement au phosphore. Au cours du réformage d'un gaz de synthèse model riche en hydrocarbures, la membrane silicalite-1 n'a pu empêcher la désactivation due aux goudrons des particules de nickel encapsulées, car ceux-ci craquent aux températures typiques de reformage en composés aromatiques plus petits, susceptibles de se diffuser à travers la paroi de type MFI. La préparation de matériaux analogues à base de Rh n'a pas pu être réalisée. Des catalyseurs à base de Rh et de Ni supportés sur alumine ont ensuite été testés. Nous avons montré que le H2S induit une chute significative de l'activité en reformage et que les catalyseurs au Rh sont les moins influencés par le cokage et l'empoisonnement au S. L'activité en reformage du méthane était proportionnelle à la surface spécifique en Rh. Une température de réaction élevée (> 875 °C) a été jugée nécessaire pour limiter la désactivation par cokage / Europe is facing climate and energy challenges and aims at increasing the utilization of biomass in the production of renewable fuels. Many technological difficulties remain, for instance, biomass gasification produces a syngas rich in tars and H2S that can lead to catalyst poisoning in downstream reactors. Our goal was to develop stable catalysts that could fully reform producer gas. Nickel nanoparticles encapsulated inside hollow silicalite-1 single crystals were studied. The encapsulation was expected to limit particle sintering and coking under harsh reforming conditions. These particles could still sinter within each single crystal. The synthesis of a novel hollow structure ("multi-hollow", i.e. a single zeolite crystal with multiple mesoporous cavities) was developed. The size-exclusion of large aromatic compounds from the sample was demonstrated. This material also enabled improving the initial dispersion of metal nanoparticles. The sample activity was yet adversely affected by two main factors associated with the preparation steps, i.e. the formation of a silica over-layer and phosphorus-poisoning. During the reforming of a simulated producer gas, the silicalite-1 membrane could not prevent tar-related deactivation of embedded nickel particles, because those were cracked at typical reforming temperatures into smaller aromatic compounds, which could diffuse throughout the MFI-type layer. The preparation of Rh-based multi-hollow analogues could not be achieved. Alumina-supported Rh and Ni-based catalysts were then tested. H2S induced a large drop of the reforming activity and Rh catalysts were the least impacted by coking and S-poisoning. Methane reforming rate were proportional to the Rh metal surface area. The use of high reaction temperatures (>875°C) was shown to be necessary to limit deactivation by coking

La gazéification permet de convertir la biomasse en gaz de synthèse composé principalement d’H2, de CO et de CO2. Ce gaz peut être utilisé comme combustible dans des moteurs ou pour produire du gaz naturel de synthèse. En plus du syngaz, la gazéification génère des espèces aromatiques lourdes qualifiées de goudrons, comme le toluène, le naphtalène et le phénanthrène. Ces espèces posent divers problèmes pratiques. Elles nuisent aux catalyseurs de SNG (surtout le toluène car plus abondant). Pour un emploi en moteur, les problèmes viennent des goudrons lourds qui sont condensables. L’épuration du syngaz est donc nécessaire pour permettre son utilisation. La perméation de gaz dans une membrane polymère dense est une technologie employée pour diverses séparations. En particulier, les membranes en silicone (PDMS) sont plus perméables aux vapeurs organiques qu’aux gaz. Cette propriété est déjà utilisée à grande échelle pour retirer des vapeurs légères de flux d’air à température ambiante. La séparation envisagée dans cette thèse reprend cette idée mais avec des vapeurs inhabituellement lourdes et une température de 90°C, ce qui est élevé. La perméation repose sur des lois de sorption et de diffusion. Les paramètres de sorption ont été mesurés, ceux de diffusion ont été tirés de la littérature afin de permettre des simulations. Ces dernières révèlent que l’emploi d’une membrane en PDMS est une technologie prometteuse pour l’épuration du syngaz en vue d’un emploi en moteur. En revanche, cette technologie semble incapable de séparer efficacement le toluène des gaz permanents (par manque de sélectivité), ce qui la rend inapte à épurer le syngaz en vue d’une application de type SNG. / Gasification allows to convert biomass into a synthesis gas containing mainly H2, CO and CO2. This gas can be used as a fuel in engines or to produce synthesis natural gas (SNG). In practice, heavy aromatic species named tars (such as toluene, naphthalene, phenanthrene) are generated along with syngas. These species generate various practical problems. They damage the SNG catalysts (especially toluene since it’s the most abundant). If syngas is used in a combustion engine, the problems are linked to the heaviest tars that can condense. Therefore, syngas upgrading is a key step to allow a good use. Gas permeation across a dense polymer membrane is a technology that is used for several separations. In particular, silicone membranes (PDMS) are more permeable to organic vapors than to permanent gases. This property is ever used at high scale to remove light vapors from fluxes of air or of nitrogen at ambient temperature. The separation that is considered in this study uses this idea but the vapors are heavy and the temperature is 90°C; that is, quite a high level of temperature. The permeation of species through a membrane is ruled by sorption and diffusion laws. The sorption parameters have been measured and the diffusion parameters have been obtained from literature in order to allow simulations. These simulations, show that the use of a PDMS membrane seems to be a promising technology to upgrade syngas for a use in an engine. On the other hand, this technology seems unable to efficiently separate toluene from permanent gases (because of a too low selectivity); that is, this technology is not able to upgrade syngas for use in SNG production.

The fossil hydrocarbons are not inexhaustible, and their use is not without impact in our need of energy, fuels and hydrocarbons as building blocks for organic materials. The quest for renewable, environmentally more friendly technologies are in need and woody biomass is a promising candidate, well provided in the boreal parts of the world. To convert the constituents of wood into valuable gaseous products, suitable for the end use required, we need a reliable gasification technology. But to become an industrial application on full scale there are still a few issues to take into account since the presence of contaminants in the process gas will pose several issues, both technical and operational, for instance by corrosion, fouling and catalyst deactivation. Furthermore the downstream applications may have very stringent needs for syngas cleanliness depending on its use. Therefore, the levels of contaminants must be decreased by gas cleanup to fulfil the requirements of the downstream applications. One of the most prominent problems in biomass gasification is the formation of tars – an organic byproduct in the degradation of larger hydrocarbons. So, tar degrading catalysts are needed in order to avoid tar related operational problems such as fouling but also reduced conversion efficiency. Deactivation of catalysts is generally inevitable, but the process may be slowed or even prevented. Catalysts are often very sensitive to poisonous compounds in the process gas, but also to the harsh conditions in the gasifier, risking problems as coke formation and attrition. Alongside with having to be resistant to any physical and chemical damage, the catalyst also needs to have high selectivity and conversion rate, which would result in a more or less tar-free gas. Commercial tar reforming catalysts of today often contain nickel as the active element, but also often display a moderate to rapid deactivation due to the causes mentioned.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARS) are a family of enzymes that catalyze the charging of amino acids to their cognate tRNA in an aminoacylation reaction. Many members of this family have been found to have secondary functions independent of their primary aminoacylation function. Threonyl-tRNA synthetase (TARS), the ARS responsible for charging tRNA with threonine, is secreted from endothelial cells in response to both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and stimulates angiogenesis and cell migration. Here we show a novel experimental approach for studying TARS secretion, and for observing the role of intracellular TARS in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and in angiogenesis. Using Western blotting, immunofluorescence microscopy and RT-qPCR we were able to investigate changes in TARS protein and transcript levels. We initially hypothesized that TARS was secreted by exosomal release, and so we treated a human ovarian cancer cell line (CaOV-3) with monensin, an ionophore that increases exosome production, and VEGF to observe changes in intracellular and extracellular TARS protein. Monensin treatment consistently increased extracellular and intracellular TARS protein, however CD63, an exosome marker protein, levels were unaffected by monensin treatment. VEGF had no effect on intracellular TARS. We therefore hypothesized that the TARS response was a result of ER stress. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a series of signaling pathways that are activated upon ER stress. When CaOV-3 cells were treated with increasing concentrations of monensin, intracellular levels of TARS and p-eIF2α, a downstream UPR target, increased accordingly. Monensin increased intracellular TARS protein and transcript levels in CaOV-3 cells. Monensin also increased DNAJB9, an ER chaperone protein, transcript levels, further confirming ER stress. Interestingly, monensin increased VEGF transcript levels about 6-fold. Borrelidin, a natural TARS inhibitor, also increased VEGF transcript levels, and caused an increase in p-eIF2α protein. Although the mechanism of TARS secretion remains unresolved, these data indicate that intracellular TARS expression increases in response to ER stress by monensin. Given TARS and VEGF transcript expression increased accordingly, it is possible that intracellular TARS may have pro-angiogenic function. Future directions may include investigating TARS interactions with translational control machinery.

Editorial on the Research Topic. Physics and Geomorphology of Sand Ripples on Earth and in the Solar System.

Afin de répondre aux besoins croissants en énergie primaire, le groupe Europlasma a développé le procédé CHO-Power permettant de valoriser énergétiquement un mélange de refus de tri d’ordures ménagères et de résidus de biomasse. L’une des particularités de ce procédé est l’utilisation d’un réacteur de dégradation thermique des goudrons et des particules solides fines par assistance plasma. L’objectif de cette étude de mieux appréhender les mécanismes réactionnels mis en jeu lors de l’épuration thermique du gaz. Dans cette optique, un réacteur pilote a été dimensionné puis construit sur la plate-forme de Recherche et Développement d’Europlasma. Il a été ensuite nécessaire de modifier le schéma réactionnel permettant la modélisation numérique de la dégradation des goudrons. Ce schéma réactionnel, couplé à l’utilisation d’un logiciel de mécanique des fluides numérique, permet de représenter les processus couplés (chimie, aéraulique, transferts thermiques) se déroulant au sein du réacteur. Deux modifications importantes ont été alors apportées au modèle cinétique simplifié jusque-là utilisé : la modélisation d’une phase discrète réactive permettant de prendre en compte la gazéification des particules de résidus carbonés et l’ajout de nouvelles voies réactionnelles afin de mieux modéliser la formation des particules de suie et de ses précurseurs. À terme, la comparaison des valeurs expérimentales à celle issues de la modélisation numérique permettra de valider ou non le schéma réactionnel dans sa globalité. / In order to contest to the high world demand for primary energy, the Europlasma group developed a new process, called CHO-Power, to enhance the thermochemical potential of a mixture of urban waste and biomass residues. One of the characteristics of this process is the use of a high temperature reactor assisted by a plasma torch for tar and soots thermal cracking. The aim of this study to improve the knowledge of the global reaction mechanism involved during the thermal treatment of gas. In this context, a pilot plant reactor was designed and built on the Europlasma Research and Development Center. During this work, the reaction pathway used to represent tars cracking at high temperature has been enhanced. Coupled to a computational fluid Dynamics Software, allow simulating the complex processes occurring within the reactor (aeraulics, reaction, and heat transfer). Two major changes were made to the simplified kinetic model previously used: the modeling of a discrete and reactive phase to take into account the possible particle gasification of carbonaceous residues and the addition of new reaction pathways to enhance the modeling of the formation of soot and its precursors. The comparison between the experimental and numerical values will validate or not the global reaction scheme and will give important information about the next evolution of the tar degradation scheme.

[ES] Debido al agotamiento de las fuentes de petróleo, la mayor demanda de energía y combustibles para el transporte, y la necesidad de reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y la dependencia de los recursos fósiles, la utilización de fuentes alternativas sostenibles para producir combustibles y productos químicos se vuelve esencial. En este contexto, la valorización de alquitranes ligeros (formados durante los procesos de refinación de petróleo y gasificación de biomasa) y otras fuentes no convencionales (es decir, ácidos grasos) y su conversión en productos químicos de alto valor agregado será una opción interesante y desafiante. En este trabajo se desarrollan catalizadores sólidos y procesos catalíticos para la transformación de alquitranes ligeros mediante el proceso de hidrotratamiento suave. Este proceso está estudiado empleando diferentes hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP) como moléculas modelo, representativas de materias primas de alquitrán ligero. Los compuestos de tipo alquitrán de esta mezcla modelo se transforman en hidrocarburos C9-C15 parcialmente hidrogenados, que podrían aplicarse como aditivos (mejoradores) del combustible de aviación, o como productos químicos y disolventes para la industria. Primero, se estudia el hidrotratamiento suave de alquitranes empleando Pd soportado sobre TiO2, que posee diferentes fases cristalinas. La actividad de hidrotratamiento y la selectividad hacia los productos hidrogenados deseados (es decir, tetralina y otros) aumentaron al aumentar tanto la acidez como el área superficial del catalizador, junto con la presencia de nanopartículas de Pd pequeñas y bien distribuidas. El catalizador Pd/TiO2 Nano revela una notable actividad de hidrotratamiento y estabilidad después de varios reusos sin prácticamente cambios en la estructura del TiO2. Además, no se observa prácticamente deposición de carbono, ni lixiviación de Pd, manteniéndose tanto el tamaño de partícula como la adecuada distribución del Pd, incluso después de la regeneración del catalizador. Además, el catalizador Pd/TiO2 Nano demuestra ser más eficaz para la producción de hidrocarburos C9-C15 que otros catalizadores de hidrotratamiento comerciales y reportados anteriormente. Además, el Pd soportado en el óxido mixto TiO2-Al2O3 preparado mediante el método de co-precipitación optimizado, se evalúa en el hidrotratamiento suave de alquitranes, mostrando buena actividad y estabilidad después de varios reusos. Su actividad de hidrotratamiento se compara con la de los catalizadores Pd/TiO2 Nano y Pd/Al2O3; mientras que su ámbito de aplicación se extiende a otras reacciones de hidrogenación más exigentes, como la aminación reductora de acetol bioderivado. Además, un nuevo catalizador desarrollado con Pd soportado sobre TiO2/Al2O3 (precursor de Ti impregnado sobre alúmina como soporte) demuestra una buena actividad en el hidrotratamiento suave de compuestos de tipo alquitrán. Finalmente, los catalizadores a base de Ni se preparan y prueban en el hidrotratamiento suave de alquitranes, siendo el catalizador Ni/TiO2/Al2O3 el más activo entre ellos. Además, los catalizadores de Ni muestran un excelente rendimiento catalítico cuando se aplican como catalizadores en la hidrogenación selectiva de ácidos grasos para producir hidrocarburos, catalizadores de Ni/TiO2/Al2O3 y Ni/TiO2/ZrO2, ofreciendo la más alta selectividad hacia n-heptadecano (C17). Curiosamente, se encuentra que el dopaje con Pt aumenta la actividad de los últimos catalizadores de Ni. En resumen, diferentes catalizadores soportados por metales desarrollados en este estudio son capaces de transformar alquitranes ligeros y ácidos grasos en condiciones de reacción suaves, ofreciendo así una opción viable y más sostenible para la producción de hidrocarburos útiles de otras fuentes no convencionales. / [CA] Degut a l'esgotament dels depòsits petrolífers, hi hagut un increment de la demanda d'energia i de combustibles; al mateix temps que la necessitat de reduir les emissions de gasos GHG i la dependència als recursos fòssils; esdevé essencial la utilització de fonts d'energia alternativa per a produir combustibles líquids i productes químics. En aquest context, la valorització de quitrans lleugers (formats durant els processos de refinament del petroli i de gasificació de la biomassa) i d'altres fonts d'energia no convencionals com per exemple àcids grassos; i la seva conversió en productes químics d'alt valor afegit són una opció interessant i prometedora. En aquest treball, es desenvoluparan catalitzadors sòlids i processos catalítics per a la transformació de quitrans lleugers a través del procés d'hidrotractament en condicions suaus. Aquest procés s'estudia utilitzant diferents hidrocarburs policíclics aromàtics (PAHs) com a molècules model representatives de la matèria prima que constitueixen els quitrans lleugers. Els quitrans d'aquesta mescla representativa es transformen a hidrocarburs C9-C15 parcialment hidrogenats que poden ser utilitzats com a querosè o com a productes químics i dissolvents per a la indústria. Primer, l'hidrotractament en condicions suaus dels quitrans va ser estudiat utilitzant materials de Pd suportat sobre TiO2 de diferents fases cristal·lines. L'activitat de l'hidrotractament i la selectivitat del procés als productes hidrogenats desitjats (i.e tetralina i altres) augmenta en augmentar l'acidesa i l'àrea superficial del catalitzador, junt amb la presència de petites nanopartícules de Pd adequadament distribuïdes. El catalitzador Pd/TiO2 Nano presenta una destacada activitat en la reacció d'hidrotractament i resulta estable després de reutilitzar-lo en diverses ocasions sense pràcticament canvis en l'estructura TiO2, malgrat que té lloc certa sedimentació de carboni, no es detecta lixiviació i es manté tan la distribució com les dimensions de les partícules després de la regeneració del catalitzador. A més a més, el catalitzador Pd/TiO2 Nano resulta ésser més efectiu per a la producció d'hidrocarburs C9-C15 que altres catalitzadors comercials i d'altres descrits prèviament en la bibliografia. A més a més, s'ha estudiat el Pd suportat en l'òxid mixt TiO2-Al2O3 preparat a través de l'optimització del mètode de la coprecipitació en la reacció d'hidrotractament de quitrans en condicions suaus. Aquest catalitzador mostra una bona activitat i estabilitat després de reutilitzar-lo en vàries ocasions. La seva activitat en dita reacció es compara a la que presenten els catalitzadors de Pd/TiO2 Nano i Pd/Al2O3; i també s'ha comprovat el seu abast en altres reaccions d'hidrogenació d'interès, com per exemple l'aminació reductiva d'acetol provinent de la biomassa. A més a més, s'ha desenvolupat un nou catalitzador de Pd suportat sobre TiO2/Al2O3 (on el precursor de Ti s'impregna sobre l'alúmina que actua com a suport) que mostra una bona activitat en la reacció d'hidrotractament de compostos tipus quitrans en condicions suaus. Finalment, els catalitzadors basats en Ni han estat preparats i testats en reaccions d'hidrotractament de quitrans en condicions suaus, sent el catalitzador Ni/TiO2/Al2O3 el més actiu de tots. Addicionalment, els catalitzadors de níquel mostren excel·lents activitats catalítiques quan s'utilitzen com a catalitzadors per a la hidrogenació selectiva d'àcids grassos per a la producció d'hidrocarburs. Els catalitzadors de Ni/TiO2/Al2O3 i Ni/TiO2/ZrO2 presenten la major selectivitat a n-heptadecà (C17). Cal mencionar, que el dopatge amb Pt tendeix a augmentar l'activitat de l'últim catalitzador de Ni. Resumint, s'ha demostrat que diferents catalitzadors basats en metall suportat que han estat desenvolupats durant aquest estudi són capaços de transformar els quitrans lleugers i els àcids grassos en condicions su / [EN] Because of the depletion of petroleum sources, the increased demand for energy and transportation fuels, and the need for both reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and the dependence on fossil resources, the utilization of sustainable alternative sources to produce fuels and chemicals becomes essential. In this context, the valorization of light tars (formed during petroleum refining and biomass gasification processes) and other non-conventional sources (i.e., fatty acids), and their conversion into high-added value chemicals will be an interesting and challenging option. In this work, solid catalysts, and catalytic processes for the transformation of light tars via mild hydrotreatment process are developed. This process is studied by employing different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as model molecules representative of light tars feedstocks. The tars-type compounds of this model mixture are transformed into C9-C15 partially hydrogenated hydrocarbons that could be applied as jet fuel additives (improvers) or as chemicals and solvents for industry. First, the tars mild hydrotreatment is studied over Pd supported on TiO2 possessing different crystalline phases. The hydrotreatment activity and selectivity towards the desired hydrogenated products (i.e., tetralin and others) increase by increasing both acidity and surface area of the catalyst, along with the presence of small and well distributed Pd nanoparticles. The Pd/TiO2 Nano catalyst reveals remarkable hydrotreatment activity and stability after several reuses with practically no changes in TiO2 structure, quite low carbon deposition, any Pd leaching detected and maintaining both small Pd particle size and their adequate distribution, even after regeneration of the catalyst. Additionally, Pd/TiO2 Nano catalyst demonstrates to be more effective to the production of C9-C15 hydrocarbons than other commercial and previously reported hydrotreatment catalysts. In addition, Pd supported on TiO2-Al2O3 mixed oxide, prepared via optimized co-precipitation method, is evaluated in the tars mild hydrotreatment, displaying good activity and stability after several reuses. Its hydrotreatment activityis compared with that of Pd/TiO2 Nano and Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst; while its application scope is extended to other demanding hydrogenation reactions, such as the reductive amination of bio-derived acetol with ethylenediamine to produce 2-methylpiperazine. Furthermore, a novel Pd supported on TiO2/γ-Al2O3 (Ti precursor impregnated onto alumina as support) developed catalyst demonstrates good activity in the mild hydrotreatment of tars-type compounds. Finally, Ni-based catalysts are prepared and tested in the tars mild hydrotreatment, Ni/TiO2/Al2O3 catalyst being the most active among them. Additionally, Ni catalysts show excellent catalytic performance when applied as catalysts in the selective hydrogenation of fatty acids to produce hydrocarbons, Ni/TiO2/Al2O3 and Ni/TiO2/ZrO2 catalysts offering the highest selectivity to n-heptadecane (C17). Interestingly, Pt doping is encountered to increase the activity of the latter Ni catalysts. Summarizing, different metal supported catalysts developed in this study are capable to transform light tars and fatty acids under mild reaction conditions, thus offering a viable and more sustainable option to produce useful hydrocarbons from other non-conventional sources. / Raad, Z. (2021). Catalysts and catalytic processes for the transformation of tars and other non-conventional feedstocks into fuels and chemicals [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/177954 / TESIS