Conversion Of Renewable Biomass Research Articles

Full bio-based phenalkamine prepared by one-pot process used for preparing solvent-free protective coating

The utilization and conversion of renewable biomass is a promising strategy to attain sustainable society. Herein, full bio-based phenalkamine (FBA) was prepared using three bio-based raw materials, which were cardanol, furfural and 1,5-pentanediamine, by one-pot process based on Mannich reaction without catalyst and solvent. Then, FBA was used to cure epoxy under the condition of solvent-free, which can eliminate the negative effect of volatile organic solvents (VOCs). Attributed to the long chain, large steric hindrance and strong hydrophobicity of FBA, solvent-free FBA/epoxy coating had appropriate curing speed, non-defects morphologies, high flexibility (impact resistance height: 100 cm, bending resistant shaft diameter: 2 mm), low water absorption (0.65 wt%), and long-term protective performance (|Z|0.01Hz = 1.23 × 109 Ω·cm2 after 100 d immersion under harsh environment). Compared with partial bio-based phenalkamine (MD1041)/epoxy coating and petroleum-based phenalkamine (T31)/epoxy coating, FBA/epoxy coating had satisfactory underwater-cured protective properties (|Z|0.01Hz>106 Ω·cm2 after directly cured and immersed for 100 d in 5 wt% NaCl solution) based on the strong hydrophobicity and dense crosslink networks. Notably, FBA/epoxy coating had improved performance compared with purified FBA (PFBA)/epoxy coating, which was related to the high crosslink density coming from the residual 1,5-pentanediamine. This work provided some enlightenment to prepare solvent-free coating using full bio-based materials.

High-Performance Plasma-Enabled Biorefining of Microalgae to Value-Added Products.

Conversion of renewable biomass by time- and energy-efficient techniques remains an important challenge. Herein, plasma catalytic liquefaction (PCL) is employed to achieve rapid liquefaction of microalgae under mild conditions. The choice of the catalyst affects both the liquefaction efficiency and the yield of products. The acid catalyst is more effective and gave a liquid yield of 73.95 wt % in 3 min, as opposed to 69.80 wt % obtained with the basic catalyst in 7 min. Analyses of the thus-formed products and the processing environment reveal that the enhanced PCL performance is linked to the rapid increase in temperature under the effect of plasma-induced electric fields and the generation of large quantities of reactive species. Moreover, the obtained solid residue can be simply upgraded to a carbon product suitable for supercapacitor applications. Therefore, the proposed strategy may provide a new avenue for fast and comprehensive utilization of biomass under benign conditions.

Alkane from hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) combined with in-situ multistage condensation of biomass continuous pyrolysis bio-oil via mixed supports catalyst Ni/HZSM-5-γ-Al2O3

Faced with fossil fuel depletion and increasing environmental concerns, the conversion of renewable biomass into fuels or chemicals is promising but extremely challenging due to the inertness and complexity of biomass. Therefore, in situ multistage condensation combined with the HDO of pyrolysis bio-oil was chosen to reduce the complexity and improve the quality of bio-oil. In addition, the activity and stability of the catalyst was enhanced. The bio-oil obtained via continuous pyrolysis was divided into four-stage depending on their boiling point via in situ multistage condensation. After HDO, the relative content of long-chain alkanes was over 80% for each stage bio-oil via mixed supported Ni/HZSM-5-γ-Al2O3 catalyst. Especially, the main components in the 3rd oil (aqueous phase) were n-heneicosane (31.60%), icosane (5.13%) and n-heptadecane (4.36%) based on the highest HDO ratio. Moreover, the reaction mechanism was discussed via the HDO of model bio-oil. The main reaction pathway consisted of hydrogenation and dehydration reactions (HYD pathway), and a side reaction was the direct deoxygenation route (DDO pathway). This work provides a general and efficient pathway for directly converting biomass into valuable long chain alkanes.

Towards a Bioeconomy in Europe: National, Regional and Industrial Strategies

Establishing an advanced European bioeconomy is an important step in achieving the transition towards sustainable development and away from fossil fuels. The bioeconomy can be defined as an economy based on the sustainable production and conversion of renewable biomass into a range of bio-based products, chemicals, and energy. Several strategies have been produced in Europe from different perspectives that outline visions, intentions, and recommendations for the transition to a bioeconomy. An analysis of twelve of these strategies was conducted using a meta-analytical framework. This paper outlines the results of this study covering national, regional, and industrial perspectives on the bio-based economy in Europe. The analysis shows that a common direction for the bioeconomy, based on research and technological innovation in the various applications of biotechnology, is developing in Europe. It highlights the important role that the regional level will play in facilitating collaborations between industries and research institutions needed to foster innovation and optimize the use of biomass. The analysis also identifies that the development of European bio-based product markets are needed for bioeconomy expansion. However, the transition needs to have a lifecycle perspective in order to ensure that an economy founded on biomass is sustainable and equitable.