Production of middle distillates through olefin oligomerization using ZSM ‐5 as a catalyst

Abstract The global transportation sector relies heavily on gasoline (C 5 –C 12 ) and diesel (C 11 –C 24 ), which together account for approximately 60% of its energy needs. Driven by rapid industrialization and urbanization, diesel consumption is outpacing gasoline, with projections estimating global demand by 2035 at 27 million barrels per day for gasoline and 37 million barrels per day for diesel. To meet the rising demand for middle distillates like diesel, olefin oligomerization using ZSM‐5 catalysts offers a promising approach to convert light olefins into diesel fuel. Light naphtha, a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) product rich in C 5 –C 6 olefins, serves as a suitable feedstock for this process. This review examines advancements in diesel production through olefin oligomerization, highlighting the efficacy of hierarchical ZSM‐5 catalysts, which enhance fuel production efficiency through improved pore structures. It also explores sustainable feedstocks, such as light cracked naphtha, which reduce environmental impact, and discusses refinery strategies like FCC unit optimization to boost olefin yields. Current trends, operational dieselization strategies, and research gaps are analyzed to provide a comprehensive overview of sustainable diesel production pathways.