Summary
In this study, the main process involves the conversion of palm oil into hydro‐processed renewable diesel (HRD) over a nonsulfide catalyst. First, catalysts with different supports (γ‐Al2O3 and SAPO‐11) and metals (Ni and Mo) are compared in experiments. The results showed that 8Ni‐8Mo/γAl2O3 is the most suitable catalyst for HRD production, with the highest conversion and selectivity of 99.5% and 98.9%, respectively. The chemical kinetic reaction, conversion, and selectivity of the catalyst were analyzed through different temperatures, pressures, and H2‐to‐oil ratios to determine the optimal conditions. The regenerated catalyst through calcining showed well recovered structure and textural properties by using X‐ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption/desorption measurements. Last but not least, the fuel components and properties of HRD were determined, include 46.8 MJ/kg of heating value, distillation temperature of 306°C, 5°C of cloud point, 81.4 of cetane number, 204°C of auto‐ignition temperature, 62°C of flash point, and 61.8 mm of smoke point, which meets the diesel specifications.