ZnO in hydrodeoxygenation and fuel sulfur removal

What this search found

Shortfall: the requested 40 direct hydrotreating/HDO papers were not verified. Only 5 direct HDO/author-described adsorptive-HDS papers were identified; the 24 related reactive-adsorption records and 3 other adjacent papers are clearly separated and must not be counted as direct HDO or conventional HDS. This is an abstract/metadata-level preliminary map, not a publication-ready systematic review.

4
HDO papers

1
adsorptive HDS paper

24
RADS papers, including theory

3
other adjacent papers

32
total distinct journal records

No ZnO-specific hydrodenitrogenation paper was verified in the present search; this is a search limitation, not proof that none exists. Most records have not been full-text screened. Journal metadata were checked through DOI-registration metadata or OpenAlex records; reaction descriptions rely on title and abstract/record screening and should be confirmed against full texts.

What ZnO may contribute

Mixed HDO catalysts: ZnO can be part of a multifunctional metal/oxide formulation. The guaiacol study examines Cu–ZnO–Al₂O₃ and oxygen vacancies [1]; the lignin and vanillin papers investigate ZnO–Co composites [2] [3]. These compositions do not alone establish a unique active site or isolate ZnO’s causal effect.
Sulfur capture in RADS: Ni/ZnO studies examine hydrogen-assisted sulfur transfer and the evolution of ZnO into sulfur-containing material; proposed paths include H₂S-mediated capture and interfacial transfer [7] [20] [23]. RADS uses a finite-capacity sulfur acceptor and is not interchangeable with conventional catalytic HDS.
Controls matter: Compare otherwise-matched ZnO-free and ZnO-containing materials, characterize fresh and spent phases, and report metal dispersion and pretreatment. ZnO particle size and preparation can change together with other properties; association alone is not proof of mechanism [29].

For HDO, distinguish conversion, oxygen removal and product selectivity; for RADS, breakthrough capacity and sulfur balance are distinct from conversion. The model compounds and sulfur-removal studies cannot be assumed to predict real lignin-oil HDO.

Journal-paper inventory

Each card links to the DOI. Reported year is the metadata publication year and may differ from the issue year. “Record/abstract” means this review has not established complete primary-text inspection.

Direct HDO and adsorptive HDS

1 · HDO · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

A Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 catalyst with oxygen vacancy for efficient hydrodeoxygenation of lignin-derived guaiacol to hydrocarbons

Yong Liu, Xinghua Zhang, Lungang Chen, Jianguo Liu, Qi Zhang, Longlong Ma. 2024. Chemical Engineering Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2023.119616

Reaction / ZnO role: Guaiacol; Cu–ZnO–Al₂O₃ mixed catalyst; ZnO is a catalyst component and oxygen vacancies are investigated.

2 · HDO · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Highly-efficient and magnetically-separable ZnO/Co@N-CNTs catalyst for hydrodeoxygenation of lignin and its derived species under mild conditions

Virendra Ranaware, Deepak Verma, Rizki Insyani, Asim Riaz, Seung Min Kim, Jaehoon Kim. 2019. Green Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1039/c8gc03623c

Reaction / ZnO role: Vanillin and lignin-derived substrates; ZnO/Co on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes; ZnO is a catalyst component.

3 · HDO · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

High-Yield Production of Deoxygenated Monomers from Kraft Lignin over ZnO-Co/N-CNTs in Water

Umair Mushtaq, Jae-Yong Park, Asim Riaz, Virendra Ranaware, Muhammad Kashif Khan, Deepak Verma, Jaehoon Kim. 2021. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c08664

Reaction / ZnO role: Kraft lignin; ZnO–Co/N-CNT catalyst; ZnO is a catalyst component.

4 · HDO · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

On the reduction of CO 2 footprint via selective hydrodeoxygenation by ZnO–Ti 3 C 2 T x catalyst under solvent-free conditions

Bhagirath Saini, R. Krishnapriya, Meena Yadav, Rahul Singhal, Rakesh K. Sharma. 2023. Green Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3GC01260C

Reaction / ZnO role: Methyl oleate; ZnO–Ti₃C₂Tₓ catalyst; ZnO composite component.

5 · Adsorptive HDS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Ultra-deep Hydrodesulfurization of Kerosene for Fuel Cell System. (Part 3). Development and Evaluation of Ni/ZnO Catalyst.

Kinya Tawara, Takeshi NISHIMURA, Hikoichi IWANAMI, Tokuyoshi Nishimoto, Takashi Hasuike. 2001. 石油学会誌. https://doi.org/10.1627/jpi1958.44.43

Reaction / ZnO role: Kerosene; Ni/ZnO; ZnO is a support and sulfur acceptor.

Adjacent reactive adsorption desulfurization (RADS)

6 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Nickel supported on zinc oxide nanowires as advanced hydrodesulfurization catalysts

Franz G. Petzold, Jacek Jasinski, Ezra L. Clark, Jeong H. Kim, Jason Absher, Helge Toufar, Mahendra K. Sunkara. 2012. Catalysis Today. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2012.05.030

Reaction / ZnO role: Diesel-range sulfur compounds; Ni on ZnO nanowires; ZnO support and sulfur acceptor.

7 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Reactive adsorption of thiophene on Ni/ZnO: Role of hydrogen pretreatment and nature of the rate determining step

Andrey Ryzhikov, Igor Bezverkhyy, Jean-Pierre Bellat. 2008. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2008.06.009

Reaction / ZnO role: Thiophene; Ni/ZnO; ZnO-supported reactive adsorbent; hydrogen pretreatment studied.

8 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Reactive adsorption of thiophene on Ni/ZnO adsorbent: Effect of ZnO textural structure on the desulfurization activity

Jingcheng Zhang, Yunqi Liu, Shuang Tian, Yongming Chai, Chenguang Liu. 2010. Journal of Natural Gas Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-9953(09)60076-1

Reaction / ZnO role: Thiophene; Ni/ZnO; ZnO textural structure compared.

9 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Reactive adsorption desulfurization over a Ni/ZnO adsorbent prepared by homogeneous precipitation

Aihua Kong, Yanyu Wei, Yonghong Li. 2013. Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-013-1322-9

Reaction / ZnO role: Feed not established from title; Ni/ZnO prepared by homogeneous precipitation.

10 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Fabrication of hierarchical porous ZnO and its performance in Ni/ZnO reactive-adsorption desulfurization

Yunqi Liu, Nannan She, Jinchong Zhao, Tingting Peng, Chenguang Liu. 2013. Petroleum Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12182-013-0311-4

Reaction / ZnO role: Feed not established from title; hierarchical porous ZnO in Ni/ZnO adsorbent.

11 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Reactive Adsorption Desulfurization of Hydrotreated Diesel over a Ni/ZnO–Al2O3–SiO2 Adsorbent

Feng Ju, Changjun Liu, Chun Meng, Shuai Gao, Hao Ling. 2015. Energy & Fuels. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.5b00669

Reaction / ZnO role: Hydrotreated diesel; Ni/ZnO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂ reactive adsorbent.

12 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Comparison of the Reactive Adsorption Desulfurization Performance of Ni/ZnO–Al2O3 Adsorbents Prepared by Different Methods

Rooh Ullah, Peng Bai, Pingping Wu, Zhanquan Zhang, Ziyi Zhong, U.J. Etim, Fazle Subhan, Zifeng Yan. 2016. Energy & Fuels. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.6b00232

Reaction / ZnO role: Feed not established from title; Ni/ZnO–Al₂O₃; preparation methods compared.

13 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Reactive Adsorption Desulfurization of Fluidized Catalytically Cracked (FCC) Gasoline over a Ca-Doped Ni-ZnO/Al2O3–SiO2 Adsorbent

Feng Ju, Changjun Liu, Kai Li, Chun Meng, Shuai Gao, Hao Ling. 2016. Energy & Fuels. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.6b01117

Reaction / ZnO role: FCC gasoline; Ca-doped Ni–ZnO/Al₂O₃–SiO₂ adsorbent.

14 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Reactive adsorption desulfurization coupling aromatization on Ni/ZnO-Zn6Al2O9 prepared by ZnxAly(OH)2(CO3)z·xH2O precursor for FCC gasoline

Tinghai Wang, Xueli Wang, Yuan Gao, Yi Su, Zhichao Miao, Chenchen Wang, Longgang Lu, Lingjun Chou, Xionghou Gao. 2015. Journal of Energy Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jechem.2015.07.002

Reaction / ZnO role: FCC gasoline; Ni/ZnO-Zn₆Al₂O₉; desulfurization coupled with aromatization.

15 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

One-Pot Cation–Anion Double Hydrolysis Derived Ni/ZnO–Al2O3 Absorbent for Reactive Adsorption Desulfurization

Rooh Ullah, Zhanquan Zhang, Peng Bai, Pingping Wu, Dezhi Han, U.J. Etim, Zifeng Yan. 2016. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.5b04421

Reaction / ZnO role: Feed not established from title; Ni/ZnO–Al₂O₃ adsorbent; synthesis method studied.

16 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Research on Reactive Adsorption Desulfurization over Ni/ZnO−SiO 2 −Al 2 O 3 Adsorbent in a Fixed-Fluidized Bed Reactor

Jingxin Fan, Gang Wang, Yu Sun, Chunming Xu, Hongjun Zhou, Guanglin Zhou, Jinsen Gao. 2010. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. https://doi.org/10.1021/ie100923v

Reaction / ZnO role: Feed not established from title; Ni/ZnO–SiO₂–Al₂O₃ in a fixed-fluidized-bed reactor.

17 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

A Detailed Study on the Negative Effect of Residual Sodium on the Performance of Ni/ZnO Adsorbent for Diesel Fuel Desulfurization

Lichun Huang, Zhangfeng Qin, Guofu Wang, Mingxian Du, Hui Ge, Xuekuan Li, Zhiwei Wu, Jianguo Wang. 2010. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. https://doi.org/10.1021/ie100293h

Reaction / ZnO role: Diesel; Ni/ZnO; effect of residual sodium.

18 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Effect of Pretreatment on the Adsorption Performance of Ni/ZnO Adsorbent for Dibenzothiophene Desulfurization

Lichun Huang, Lai Yan, Mingxing Tang, Guofu Wang, Zhangfeng Qin, Hui Ge. 2018. ACS Omega. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.8b02843

Reaction / ZnO role: Dibenzothiophene; Ni/ZnO; adsorbent pretreatment compared.

19 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

The Role of NiO in Reactive Adsorption Desulfurization Over NiO/ZnO-Al2O3-SiO2 Adsorbent

Feng Ju, Miao Wang, Tian Wu, Hao Ling. 2019. Catalysts. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal9010079

Reaction / ZnO role: Model gasoline containing thiophene; NiO/ZnO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂; NiO function examined.

20 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Reactive adsorption desulfurization of NiO and Ni 0 over NiO/ZnO–Al 2 O 3 –SiO 2 adsorbents: role of hydrogen pretreatment

Feng Ju, Miao Wang, Hui Luan, Pengyu Du, Zhihe Tang, Hao Ling. 2018. RSC Advances. https://doi.org/10.1039/C8RA06309E

Reaction / ZnO role: FCC gasoline; NiO/ZnO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂; hydrogen pretreatment examined.

21 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Reactive adsorption desulfurization of thiophene over NiMo/ZnO, a new adsorbent with high desulfurization performance and sulfur capacity at moderate temperature

Mingxing Tang, Weixing Wang, Ligong Zhou, Ye Zhang, Zhangfeng Qin, Wenpeng Han, Jianguo Wang, Hui Ge, Xuekuan Li. 2019. Catalysis Science & Technology. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9CY01070J

Reaction / ZnO role: Thiophene; NiMo/ZnO; ZnO support in a bimetallic reactive adsorbent.

22 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Trail of sulfur during the desulfurization via reactive adsorption on Ni/ZnO

Ye Song, Bo Peng, Xue Yang, Qiuqiao Jiang, Jun Liu, Wei Shin Lin. 2020. Green Energy & Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gee.2020.05.010

Reaction / ZnO role: Thiophene; reduced Ni/ZnO; sulfur fate studied experimentally and theoretically.

23 · RADS theory · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

New insights into the mechanism of reactive adsorption desulfurization on Ni/ZnO catalysts: Theoretical evidence showing the existence of interfacial sulfur transfer pathway and the essential role of hydrogen

Houyu Zhu, Naiyou Shi, Dongyuan Liu, Rui Li, Jinggang Yu, Qitang Ma, Tuya Li, Hao Ren, Yuan Pan, Yunqi Liu, Wenyue Guo. 2023. Petroleum Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petsci.2023.05.014

Reaction / ZnO role: Thiophene on Ni/ZnO interface; DFT model, not a measured feed-conversion experiment.

24 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Reactive Adsorption Desulfurization of Fluid Catalytic Cracking Gasoline: The Effect of Promoters (Fe, Mo, and W) on the Structural and Catalytic Properties of Ni/ZnO Adsorbents

Huanhuan Yang, Gang Wang, Fei Luo, Falu Dang, Zhongdong Zhang. 2023. Energy & Fuels. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.3c00004

Reaction / ZnO role: FCC gasoline; Fe-, Mo-, and W-promoted Ni/ZnO reactive adsorbents.

25 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Deep Adsorption Desulfurization of Fluid Catalytic Cracking Light Gasoline on NiO/ZnO-TiO2 Adsorbents with a High Breakthrough Sulfur Capacity

Guanglin Zhou, Sheng Chen, Weili Jiang, Qin Li, Hongjun Zhou, Xuecheng Gong, Xiance Zhang. 2022. ACS Omega. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.1c06645

Reaction / ZnO role: FCC light gasoline; NiO/ZnO–TiO₂ adsorbents; breakthrough sulfur capacity.

26 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Interactions of Ni/ZnO with alumina support and their influence on deep reactive adsorption desulfurization

Rooh Ullah, Mustafa Tuzen. 2022. Journal of Molecular Liquids. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2022.120082

Reaction / ZnO role: Feed not established from title; Ni/ZnO with alumina; support interaction studied.

27 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Effect of Surface Concentration of Nickel on the Activity and Selectivity of Ni/ZnO-Al2O3 Sorbents in Reactive–Adsorption Desulfurization of Olefin-Containing Feedstock

A. A. Botin, Alexander V. Mozhaev, R. E. Boldushevskii, Yu. A. Khamzin, П. А. Никульшин. 2022. Chemistry and Technology of Fuels and Oils. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10553-022-01379-3

Reaction / ZnO role: Olefin-containing feed; Ni/ZnO–Al₂O₃; Ni surface concentration varied.

28 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

In situ XAS study on the mechanism of reactive adsorption desulfurization of oil product over Ni/ZnO

Lichun Huang, Guofu Wang, Zhangfeng Qin, Mei Dong, Mingxian Du, Hui Ge, Xuekuan Li, Yidong Zhao, Jing Zhang, Tiandou Hu, Jianguo Wang. 2011. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2011.05.001

Reaction / ZnO role: Model diesel with dibenzothiophene; Ni/ZnO; in situ X-ray absorption study.

29 · RADS · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Ultra-deep desulfurization via reactive adsorption on Ni/ZnO: The effect of ZnO particle size on the adsorption performance

Yuliang Zhang, Yongxing Yang, Hongxian Han, Min Yang, Lu Wang, Yongna Zhang, Zongxuan Jiang, Can Li. 2012. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2012.02.004

Reaction / ZnO role: Thiophene in model gasoline; Ni/ZnO; ZnO particle size varied.

Other adjacent reaction chemistry

30 · Adjacent hydrogenolysis · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Investigation on the cleavage of β-O-4 linkage in dimeric lignin model compound over nickel catalysts supported on ZnO-Al2O3 composite oxides with varying Zn/Al ratios

Chen Xu, Si-Fu Tang, Xianyong Sun, Yuanyuan Sun, Guangci Li, Jingbo Qi, Xiaoyu Li, Xuebing Li. 2017. Catalysis Today. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2017.05.048

Reaction / ZnO role: β-O-4 lignin dimer; Ni on ZnO–Al₂O₃ mixed supports; cleavage not established as HDO.

31 · Adjacent hydrogenation · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Effects of ZnO on Characteristics and Selectivity of Coprecipitated Ni/ZnO/Al2O3Catalysts for Partial Hydrogenation of Sunflower Oil

Farng Hui Wong, Timm Joyce Tiong, Loong Kong Leong, Kuen‐Song Lin, Yeow Hong Yap. 2018. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.7b04963

Reaction / ZnO role: Sunflower oil partial hydrogenation; ZnO-modified Ni/Al₂O₃; not established as HDO.

32 · Adjacent deoxygenation · DOI record / search-accessible article record; full text not systematically reviewed

Renewable diesel via solventless and hydrogen-free catalytic deoxygenation of palm fatty acid distillate

Khairul Basyar Baharudin, Nurulhuda Abdullah, Yun Hin Taufiq‐Yap, Darfizzi Derawi. 2020. Journal of Cleaner Production. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122850

Reaction / ZnO role: Palm fatty-acid distillate; NiO–ZnO; hydrogen-free deoxygenation, not established hydrotreating.

Search and screening

Search date: 2 November 2026. OpenAlex was queried first, using combinations of zinc oxide/ZnO with hydrodeoxygenation, guaiacol, lignin, vanillin, hydrogen-assisted reactive adsorption desulfurization, hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation and fatty acids. Crossref metadata, publisher records, independent scholarly web search, and DOI-linked records were then checked. Duplicate DOI strings were collapsed; journal-article status and titles were checked through Crossref or OpenAlex. Crossref rate limiting prevented universal Crossref confirmation, so OpenAlex was used as an independent bibliographic fallback.

Included: journal papers with ZnO explicitly identified in an examined record as support, mixed-oxide component, promoter or reactive-adsorbent component. Direct HDO and author-described adsorptive HDS are separate from RADS and other adjacent chemistry. Theoretical work is labeled. Excluded: patents, proceedings, unsupported zinc-only claims and DOI–title mismatches. Search results and abstracts are discovery evidence, not a substitute for complete papers or supporting information. Feed, precise phase under reaction and hydrogen conditions should be checked against each full paper. These results are not exhaustive and cannot support a claim of absence or priority.

Access: DOI links take readers to publisher or registration pages; full text may require subscription. Metadata source entries, author name spellings, years and feed-specific descriptions require a final source audit before citation in a manuscript. No unpublished material is included.