@misc{10481/96739,
year = {2024},
month = {10},
url = {https://hdl.handle.net/10481/96739},
abstract = {The depletion of conventional light petroleum reserves has intensified the search for
alternative sources, notably, low-quality heavy oils and byproducts from heavy crude processing, to
meet the global demand for fuels, energy, and petrochemicals. Heavy crude oil (HO) and extra heavy
crude oil (EHO) represent nearly 70% of the world’s reserves but require extensive upgrading to satisfy
refining and petrochemical specifications. Their high asphaltene content results in elevated viscosity
and reduced API gravity, posing significant challenges in extraction, transportation, and refining.
Advanced catalytic approaches are crucial for efficient asphaltene removal and the conversion of
heavy feedstocks into valuable light fractions. Kaolin, an aluminosilicate mineral, has emerged
as a key precursor for zeolite synthesis and a promising catalyst in upgrading processes. This
article provides a comprehensive exploration of kaolin’s geological origins, chemical properties, and
structural characteristics, as well as the various modification techniques designed to improve its
catalytic performance. Special focus is given to its application in the transformation of heavy crudes,
particularly in facilitating asphaltene breakdown and enhancing light distillate yields. Finally, future
research avenues and potential developments in kaolin-based catalysis are discussed, emphasizing
its vital role in addressing the technological challenges linked to the growing reliance on heavier
crude resources.},
organization = {Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación and the ERDF Andalusia Program 2021–2027 under Grant C-EXP-247-UGR23, as well as by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033},
organization = {“European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR” program, and
“ERDF A way of making Europe” under Projects PID2021-127803OB-I00 and CNS2023-144680},
organization = {MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033
and the European Union “NextGenerationEU/PRTR” for the Juan de la Cierva contract (JDC
2022-048903-I)},
organization = {MICINN for her postdoctoral fellowship (RYC2020-029301-I)},
publisher = {MDPI},
keywords = {Kaolin},
keywords = {Synthesis methodologies},
keywords = {Modification strategies},
title = {Transforming Petrochemical Processes: Cutting-Edge Advances in Kaolin Catalyst Fabrication},
doi = {10.3390/app14199080},
author = {Al-Ameri, Osamah Basil and Alzuhairi, Mohammed and Bailón García, Esther and Carrasco Marín, Francisco and Amaro Gahete, Juan},
}