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.

Catalysts for producing a branched aliphatic alkene are described. The catalyst can include a catalytic alkali metal or alkali metal composite on a mixed metal oxide support that includes a Column 1 metal and at least one of a Column 3 metal, a Column 4 metal or a lanthanide. The catalyst can have less than 50 wt. % of a metal carbonate. Methods of producing branched aliphatic alkenes by contacting the catalyst of the present invention with an aliphatic alpha olefin are also described.

Catalysts for producing a branched aliphatic alkene are described. The catalyst can include a catalytic alkali metal or alkali metal composite on a mixed metal oxide support that includes a Column 1 metal and at least one of a Column 3 metal, a Column 4 metal or a lanthanide. The catalyst can have less than 50 wt. % of a metal carbonate. Methods of producing branched aliphatic alkenes by contacting the catalyst of the present invention with an aliphatic alpha olefin are also described.

Catalysts for producing a branched aliphatic alkene are described. The catalyst can include a catalytic alkali metal or alkali metal composite on a mixed metal oxide support that includes a Column 1 metal and at least one of a Column 3 metal, a Column 4 metal or a lanthanide. The catalyst can have less than 50 wt. % of a metal carbonate. Methods of producing branched aliphatic alkenes by contacting the catalyst of the present invention with an aliphatic alpha olefin are also described.

A method is provided for producing at least one olefin by oxidative dehydrogenation of a hydrocarbon feed. The method includes the steps of contacting a hydrocarbon feed, which includes at least one alkane, and a steam feed with an oxygen transfer agent under a pressure of 1.1 bar to 800 bar to produce at least one olefin. The oxygen transfer agent contains a metal oxide that acts as an oxidizing agent to oxidize the at least one alkane. Additionally, the method includes the step of collecting a product stream containing the at least one olefin.

A method is provided for producing at least one olefin by oxidative dehydrogenation of a hydrocarbon feed. The method includes the steps of contacting a hydrocarbon feed, which includes at least one alkane, and a steam feed with an oxygen transfer agent under a pressure of 1.1 bar to 800 bar to produce at least one olefin. The oxygen transfer agent contains a metal oxide that acts as an oxidizing agent to oxidize the at least one alkane. Additionally, the method includes the step of collecting a product stream containing the at least one olefin.

A process is useful for the oligomerization of short-chain olefins in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the catalyst is kept in a dry atmosphere prior to being used in the process.

A process is useful for the oligomerization of short-chain olefins in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the catalyst is kept in a dry atmosphere prior to being used in the process.

A process is useful for the oligomerization of short-chain olefins in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the catalyst is kept in a dry atmosphere prior to being used in the process.

Oligomerization catalyst and method for oligomerization using the catalyst. The catalyst comprises a single Zn(II) or Ga(III) metal ion center directly bonded to a support through a shared oxygen atom, the catalyst having at least one M-O bond which forms an active site for oligomerization. The method includes reacting one or more C2 to C12 olefins with the oligomerization catalyst at a temperature of about 200° C. or higher to provide an oligomer product comprising C4 to C26 olefins.