Synthesis of jet fuel from biomass-derived carbonyls via aldol condensation and hydrogenation in the one-pot: Effect of solvent and catalyst

•Biphasic solvent system was screened out for the balance of aldol condensation and hydrogenation.•The total yield of target alkanes was 77.0% when the organic and water ratios were 2:1.•To weaken the hydration effect, Al ions in the bifunctional catalyst were replaced by Zr ions.•The role of bifunctional catalysts in one pot condensation and hydrogenation was investigated.•The bifunctional Ni/Mg-Zr/AC performed stably after 5th reuses.