Described herein are processes for one-step delignification and hydrodeoxygenation of lignin fraction a biomass feedstock. The lignin feedstock is derived from by-products of paper production and biorefineries. Additionally described is a process for converting biomass-derived oxygenates to lower oxygen-content compounds and/or hydrocarbons in the liquid or vapor phase in a reactor system containing hydrogen and a catalyst comprised of a hydrogenation function and/or an oxophilic function and/or an acid function. Finally, also described herein is a process for converting biomass-derived oxygenates to lower oxygen-content compounds and/or hydrocarbons in the liquid or vapor phase in a reactor system containing hydrogen and a catalyst comprised of a hydrogenation function and/or an oxophilic function and/or an acid function.

The disclosure provides a method of dehydrogenating hydrocarbons, such as C.sub.2 or C.sub.3 hydrocarbons, selectively and efficiently, to provide the corresponding alkylenes. The method is based on a Pt nanolayer catalyst over MXene (Pt/MXene) that shows resistance to coke deposition. The dehydrogenation conditions developed provided about 22% propane conversion and over 90% selectivity toward the desired propylene product, and the catalyst was stable for a 24-hour continuous run. The byproducts were ethane, ethylene, and methane, and only trace amounts of coke deposition over the catalyst were detected. Similar dehydrogenation conditions provided about 18% ethane conversion and over 90% selectivity toward the desired ethylene product. A mass balance of greater than 96% was achieved in each case.

Oxidative dehydrogenation is an alternative to the energy extensive steam cracking process presently used for the production of olefins from paraffins. Various embodiments of an oxidative dehydrogenation chemical complex designed to allow removal of sulfur containing contaminants that collect in the gas mixer unit and in the feed lines leading to the ODH reactor are disclosed herein.

Shaped catalyst compositions and methods for making and using the shaped catalyst compositions are provided. In an exemplary a catalyst active phase includes a MoVTeNbOx catalyst. The composition also includes a support phase, wherein the support phase includes fumed silica, and wherein the catalyst active phase and support phase form a heterogeneous mixture.