Gevo, Inc.
Conversion of mixtures of C.sub.2--C.sub.8 olefins to jet fuel and/or diesel fuel in high yield from bio-based alcohols

Abstract:

The present disclosure provides methods and materials for oligomerization of lower olefins (e.g., C.sub.2-C.sub.8) to transportations fuels including diesel and/or jet fuel. The oligomerization employs, in certain embodiments, tungstated zirconium catalysts. Surprisingly, the oligomerizations proceed smoothly in high yields and exhibit little to no sensitivity to the presence of significant amounts of oxygenates (e.g., water, lower alcohols such as C.sub.2-C.sub.8 alcohols) in the feed stream. Accordingly, the present disclosure is uniquely suited to the production of fuels derived from bio-based alcohols, wherein olefins produced from such bio-based alcohols typically contain high levels of oxygenates.