Zn-doped bentonite catalysts for waste engine oil cracking: Thermal treatment offers a cleaner alternative to acid activation

This study investigates the cracking of waste engine oil (WEO) using bentonite clay (BC) activated through acid and thermal methods, as well as with Zn-doped BCs. Acid activation with 1 M HCl and Zn doping did not alter the BC catalyst's structure. XRD and SAED analyses confirmed the crystallinity, while TEM showed partial destruction of the layered structure. XRF analysis indicated reduced Al and Si content upon Zn-doping due to high cation exchange capacity. Zn-doping decreased surface area and pore volume but increased acidic sites in acid-treated catalysts, although Zn suppressed these sites in calcined BC. Zn-doped catalysts displayed higher thermal stability. Cracking WEO at 450 °C for 45 min, with and without catalysts, yielded high liquid product recovery (72.6 %–82.8 %), primarily carboxylic acids and aromatics. This demonstrates the potential of Zn-doped BC as an effective catalyst for converting WEO into valuable products, aiding waste management and resource utilization.