Fast pyrolysis oil is accessible in high yields from various lignocellulosic biomass sources and is considered a promising second generation biofuel. To extend the application range, for instance to produce hydrocarbon fuels or for co-feeding in existing refineries, catalytic hydrotreatment with heterogeneous catalysts is a promising option [1]. Noble metal catalysts like Ru/C have been identified as good catalysts for the process and lead to a considerable improvement in the thermal stability of the oil and, depending on process conditions, a significant reduction in oxygen content [2,3].<br/>Here we report our catalysis and process studies on the catalytic hydrotreatment of pyrolysis oil using cheaper non-noble metal catalysts. Examples are bimetallic Ni catalysts promoted with Cu, Pd and Mo on various supports and various Raney Ni based catalysts. The performance of the various catalysts (activity, stability, hydrogen consumption) was critically evaluated and relevant product properties of the product oils (viscosity, coking tendency and elemental composition) were determined. In addition, a mechanism is proposed to explain the product properties as a function of process severity and type of catalysts.<br/>The best catalysts developed showed excellent performance at relatively low temperatures (&lt; 250 °C) when compared to the benchmark Ru/C catalyst. The resulting products have a low coking tendency, low viscosity and are distillable without excessive decomposition and char formation.

New insights in the catalytic hydrotreatment of fast-pyrolysis oils

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

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