We are developing a thermal conversion process using catalysts co-optimized with the structure and composition of lignocellulosic biomass to directly yield high-energy- density liquid fuels. Our preliminary data indicate a dependence on cell wall composition and structure for the reaction products of biomass at pyrolytic conditions.  The use of maize mutants, transgenic lines, and diversity lines and their recombinant inbreds, will allow rapid identification of genes controlling desirable quality traits that impact conversion efficiency for future translation to a variety of energy crops.  We are testing the hypothesis that modification of key molecular bonds in the wall architecture will reduce the temperature (energy input) required to produce a bio-oil and also improve the distribution of molecular species released during hydropyrolysis at the new temperature.

Maximizing conversion of biomass carbon to liquid fuel

240th National Meeting (2010)

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