A review on the selection of raw materials and reactors for biomass fast pyrolysis in China

Abstract

Renewable fuels and chemicals can be obtained from biomass through the fast pyrolysis process. However, the biomass recalcitrance, the drawbacks of the fast pyrolysis process/ reactor, and the poor properties of the end-products hinder the development of the relatively simple and effective conversion technology strongly. The choice of the optimum types of the biomass resources and the choice of the reactor are the two key factors for elevating the yield, content, and quality of the renewable end-products. In this review, the properties of biomass feedstocks as well as the main features of reactors and renewable fuels/ chemicals related to fast pyrolysis research in China are presented and discussed for the promotion of the biomass fast pyrolysis technology development in China. In addition, the current research status is presented and future development of fast pyrolysis technology is proposed. This paper aims to increase fast pyrolysis efficiency and promote the application of renewable fuels and chemicals from fast pyrolysis technology.