Fe to Ni Electron Transfer Promotes Hydrodeoxygenation of Lipids over Fe-Ni-S Catalysts

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The work proposed by the authors is interesting. I see no reason to reject it, if the authors adequately address my concerns.

1- The section on catalyst preparation needs to be rewritten. It's confusing and doesn't specify the quantities of reagents used. The same applies to catalytic testing. Expressions like "designated amount," "appropriate amount" should be avoided.

2- In my view, the authors do not have just one mesoporous material, but rather a mixture of type I and type IV isotherms. Please verify this information in the reference below:

https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082426

In addition, the authors can provide the micro/mesopore volumes to support their catalytic results.

3- lines 147-148 " The disappearance of this characteristic NiO peak 147 upon Fe introduction suggests that Fe alters the crystal structure of NiO."

This statement needs to be referenced with at least a similar situation in the literature. Could this not be a consequence of the dilution effect of nickel due to the presence of iron?

4- Figure S3 is not included in the supplementary material (At least it didn't show up for me).

5- H2-TPR: The authors need to cite references to explain the observed reduction regions.

6- And what about the experiment without a catalyst? I didn't see the error bar during conversion either.

7- Please write a section describing the achievements and limitations. I also suggest describing the novelty of the work in relation to the literature and how this manuscript can contribute to the scientific community.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The research is aimed at developing of the efficient and low-cost hydrodeoxygenation NiFe/γ-Al2O3 catalysts for converting renewable lipids into sustainable aviation fuels. A series of sulfided NiFe/γ-Al2O3 catalysts with varying Ni/Fe ratios for the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of methyl decanoate a model lipid compound were systematically investigated. A large amount of experimental data has been done in the presented work. The article will be of interest to experts in this field and can be published in the journal «Catalysts» after correcting minor comments.

1. In the experimental part, it is necessary to specify the manufacturer of the aluminum oxide used. If the media was prepared in the laboratory, explain by what method.
2. Whatconcentration of metals was fixed on the carriers? What is the reason for the choice of such a metal content?
3. Part 3.2. Characterization of Sulfided Catalysts: how correct is the use of the term « MoS2-type structures»?
4. Can the authors suggest what strength characteristics the proposed catalysts will have? It is known that for industrial use, the strength and hardness of catalysts have a significant effect.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors correctly addressed my points.