Biofuels & Bioenergy

Catalytic upgrading of biomass pyrolysis vapors is a promising technology for producing renewable, drop-in transportation fuels. Fast pyrolysis of biomass is known to produce high yields (> 70%) of carbonaceous liquids that requires after condensation, but expensive upgrading is required. As an alternative, the vapors can be upgraded before they are condensed. This approach has been investigated in the past using microporous acid catalysts such as HZSM-5, which produces gasoline-range hydrocarbons with very little oxygen. However, the yields (10 – 15%) are too low for this to be practical, and further development is needed. This presentation will discuss some of the approaches being pursued at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory improve the yields and the economics of vapor phase upgrading. This includes the development of new catalysts and catalytic processes that efficiently convert the vapors into hydrocarbons as well as an investigation of process conditions to improve yields. A key part of this effort is an investigation of the chemistry and physics of pyrolysis and catalytic reaction. This includes experimental and computational studies of the mechanisms of the conversion realistic model compounds, laboratory screening studies and studies of heat and fluid transfer.