Abstract
Thermal conversion of biomass is a rapid, low-cost way to produce a dense liquid product, known as bio-oil, that can be refined to transportation fuels. However, utilization of bio-oil is challenging due to its chemical complexity, acidity, and instability—all results of the intricate nature of biomass. A clear understanding of how biomass properties impact yield and composition of thermal products will provide guidance to optimize both biomass and conditions for thermal conversion. To aid elucidation of these associations, we first describe biomass polymers, including phenolics, polysaccharides, acetyl groups, and inorganic ions, and the chemical interactions among them. We then discuss evidence for three roles (i.e., models) for biomass components in formation of liquid pyrolysis products: (1) as direct sources, (2) as catalysts, and (3) as indirect factors whereby chemical interactions among components and/or cell wall structural features impact thermal conversion products. We highlight associations that might be utilized to optimize biomass content prior to pyrolysis, though a more detailed characterization is required to understand indirect effects. In combination with high-throughput biomass characterization techniques this knowledge will enable identification of biomass particularly suited for biofuel production and can also guide genetic engineering of bioenergy crops to improve biomass features.
Highlights
Specialty section: This article was submitted to Bioenergy and Biofuels, a section of the journal Frontiers in Energy Research
Thermal conversion of biomass is a rapid, low-cost way to produce a dense liquid product, known as bio-oil, that can be refined to transportation fuels
We review the components of secondary cell walls, which are formed as plant growth ceases, as they constitute the majority of plant biomass (Pauly and Keegstra, 2008), and discuss evidence for interactions among components
Summary
Two types of pyrolysis have been developed: fast pyrolysis and slow pyrolysis. Slow pyrolysis is usually performed over several hours and has a high solid yield, and as such has little relevance for liquid fuels production. Bio-oil’s chemically complex nature prohibits its direct use in combustion applications or petroleum refining The reasons for this include low heating value; ignition difficulty; high chemical reactivity, which results in oligomerization and polymerization over time and upon heating, prohibiting distillative separation (Oasmaa and Czernik, 1999; Demirbas, 2011; Patwardhan et al, 2011a); immiscibility with petroleum; and high corrosivity (Oasmaa and Czernik, 1999).
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