Abstract: Provided are hydroisomerization catalysts for processing a bio-based feedstock into biodiesel fuels. These catalysts comprise a catalytic material and a matrix component. The catalytic material is made up of a molecular sieve that has a pre-loaded platinum group metal. The catalytic material and the matrix component are processed together to form the hydroisomerization catalyst. Methods of making these hydroisomerization catalysts include synthesizing a molecular sieve; purifying the molecular sieve; associating the molecular sieve with a platinum group metal in the absence of the matrix component to form the pre-loaded molecular sieve before formation of a catalyst body; mixing the pre-loaded molecular sieve with the matrix component to form a mixture; processing the mixture to form a catalyst body; and drying and calcining the catalyst body to form the hydroisomerization catalyst. These hydroisomerization catalysts can be used to process hydrodeoxygenated plant- or animal-derived feeds to yield a biofuel.

Abstract: Provided are hydroisomerization catalysts for processing a bio-based feedstock into biodiesel fuels. These catalysts comprise a catalytic material and a matrix component. The catalytic material is made up of a molecular sieve that has a pre-loaded platinum group metal. The catalytic material and the matrix component are processed together to form the hydroisomerization catalyst. Methods of making these hydroisomerization catalysts include synthesizing a molecular sieve; purifying the molecular sieve; associating the molecular sieve with a platinum group metal in the absence of the matrix component to form the pre-loaded molecular sieve before formation of a catalyst body; mixing the pre-loaded molecular sieve with the matrix component to form a mixture; processing the mixture to form a catalyst body; and drying and calcining the catalyst body to form the hydroisomerization catalyst. These hydroisomerization catalysts can be used to process hydrodeoxygenated plant- or animal-derived feeds to yield a biofuel.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of forming a bimetallic catalyst coating on a catalyst support. The method comprises forming an aqueous solution of compounds of the two metals. An alkanol amine is employed to facilitate formation of the solution and to prevent precipitation of the metals. The aqueous solution is applied to the catalyst support and dried, whereby the support develops a coating of bimetallic catalyst. The resulting catalyst can have exceptional characteristics in terms of uniformity of distribution between the two metals across the catalyst support. In the case of a porous support, the active components are deposited in a narrow band adjacent the outer surface, which is a desirable structure for PROX reaction catalysts.

Abstract: A method is provided to manufacture a palladium-gold catalyst by separately impregnating and fixing the palladium and gold and reducing the fixed solids to free metal on a suitable support useful for vinyl acetate manufacture from ethylene and acetic acid.