Catalysis for conversion of biomass to fuels via pyrolysis and gasification: A review

A current aim of society is to produce fuels from non-food biomass and catalysis is central to achieving this aim. Catalytic steam-reforming of biomass gives synthesis gas and this can be further transformed to give transport fuels using catalysis. Biofuels and fuel additives can also be obtained by catalytic upgrading of bio-oil produced by non-catalytic pyrolysis of biomass. This upgrading can be performed by low temperature esterification with alcohols (followed by water separation) or by high temperature gasification, cracking or hydrotreating processes. Upgraded bio-oil can also be obtained by pyrolysis of biomass in the presence of catalysts. This review considers recent trends in the chemistry of these processes for biofuel production and the catalysts used.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (127 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Non-food biomass can be converted to fuels via thermochemical processes and catalysis.
► Bio-oil obtained by pyrolysis of biomass can be gasified, esterified, hydrotreated or cracked by using catalysts.
► Catalysts and chemistry of the bio-oil reactions are considered.