Nutcha Jatuworapruek, Kritsana Namhaed, Worapon Kiatkittipong, Kanokwan Ngaosuwan, Doonyapong Wongsawaeng, Ukrit Sahapatsombut, Yuji Yoshimura, Sumittra Charojrochkul, Suttichai Assabumrungrat
Abstract Enhancing biodiesel quality to enable higher blending ratios is essential for decarbonizing the transportation sector. This study investigates partial hydrogenation of soybean oil methyl esters in continuous flow over MCM‐41‐supported metallic Ni and nickel compound catalysts (carbide, nitride, phosphide, and sulfide). The fuel properties and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) composition were thoroughly evaluated before and after the hydrogenation process. The hydrogenation activities were ranked as follows: NiC > NiN > Ni > NiS >> NiP. Although NiC showed the highest activity and improved oxidative stability, it lacked selectivity toward cis ‐C18:1, promoting trans ‐C18:1 formation and increasing the cloud point to 20 °C, rendering the product off‐specification. In contrast, NiS achieved a superior balance between activity and selectivity, increasing oxidative stability to 4.2 h while maintaining favorable cold‐flow properties. Moreover, NiS preserved activity and product selectivity over 24 h on stream, highlighting its promise for selective biodiesel upgrading under mild conditions.