Conventional hydrocracking catalysts generally to retain their active form. However, sulfuration may cause sulfur dioxide emissions, corrosion, and sulfur residue in products, as plant oils become freed of sulfur compounds. The high price of this noble metal also limits industrial applications. Therefore, non-sulfided catalysts can eliminate the presulfurization step and mitigate sulfiderelated threats on both the environment and human health. The purpose of this paper is to review current developments in the species and application of inexpensive non-sulfided catalysts for the hydrocracking of non-edible Jatropha curcas L. oil. This mini-review predominantly concerns Nibased catalysts supported by rare-earth metals or heteropoly acid. These catalysts were used in the hydrotreating or hydrocracking of Jatropha oil to produce green diesel.
Keywords: Biodiesel, hydrocracking process, non-noble metal catalysts, non-sulfided, biofuels, plant oil.