Coupling hydrothermal liquefaction and aqueous phase reforming for integrated production of biocrude and renewable H2

Abstract

AbstractLignin‐rich stream from lignocellulosic ethanol production was converted into biocrude by continuous hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) while hydrogen was produced by aqueous phase reforming (APR) of the HTL aqueous by‐product. The effects of Na2CO3 and NaOH were investigated both in terms of processability of the feedstock as well as yield and composition of the obtained products. A maximum biocrude yield of 27 wt% was reached in the NaOH‐catalyzed runs. A relevant amount of dissolved phenolics were detected in the co‐produced aqueous phase (AP), and removed by liquid–liquid extraction using butyl acetate or diethyl ether, preserving the APR catalyst stability and reaching an hydrogen yield up to 146 mmol H2 L−1 AP. Preliminary mass balances integrating HTL and APR showed that the hydrogen provided by APR may account for up to 46% of the hydrogen amount theoretically required for upgrading the HTL biocrude, thus significantly improving the process performance and sustainability.