Effects of solvents and catalysts in liquefaction of pinewood sawdust for the production of bio-oils

Organic Solvent Effects in Biomass Conversion Reactions

“…Therefore, even though water is an attractive choice owing to its low cost, low toxicity, and environmentalf riendli-ness, numerouss tudies have explored the use of organic solvents, which can significantly improvet he selective conversion of biomass into sugarsa nd furanic compounds. [4][5][6][7][8] These research resultsi ndicate that, in certain cases, the effects of using specific organic solvents can have ag reater influenceo n reactionr ates and product selectivities than changing catalysts and/or optimizing reaction temperatures. For example, recent results have shown that the use of organic solvents [including ionic liquids (ILs), which alwaysc ontain at least one organic ion] can lead to HMF yields from glucose that are 2-3 times higher than in the aqueous phase.…”

“…High catalyst loadings (e.g., acid and base) require catalyst recycling, neutralization, and/or disposal whereas high temperature processes increase energy consumption and require impractically short residence times (<10 s). Therefore, even though water is an attractive choice owing to its low cost, low toxicity, and environmental friendliness, numerous studies have explored the use of organic solvents, which can significantly improve the selective conversion of biomass into sugars and furanic compounds . These research results indicate that, in certain cases, the effects of using specific organic solvents can have a greater influence on reaction rates and product selectivities than changing catalysts and/or optimizing reaction temperatures.…”

High conversions of miscanthus using sub- and supercritical water above 400°C

“…The effects of various solvents, including phenol, ethylene glycol (EG) and ethylene carbonate (EC) have been investigated by Yip et al in liquefaction of bamboo at 180 • C [8]. Wang et al conducted liquefaction of pinewood sawdust (at 300 • C) using water, acetone and ethanol in the presence of catalysts (alkali salts acidic zeolites) [9]. Milled Onopordum heteracanthum stalks were converted to liquid products in organic solvents (methanol, ethanol and acetone) with (KOH and ZnCl 2 ) and without catalyst in an autoclave at temperatures of 250, 270 and 290 • C [10].…”

Hydro-liquefaction of sawdust and its three components in supercritical ethanol with [BMIM]Cl/NiCl 2 catalyst

“…Especially, direct liquefaction is a promising method to produce biofuels [6]. In case of pyrolysis and gasification process, both would lead to a high residue yield due to relatively high required temperature.…”