Hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oils (liquid products from fast pyrolysis of biomass) is necessary to reduce the oxygen content from the typical level of 35-40% on a dry basis to the low levels required to make the upgraded oil compatible with finishing to hydrocarbon fuels. Hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oils requires catalysts that are stable in an aqueous-rich processing environment. Conventional hydrotreating catalysts from the petroleum processing industry have shown some promise in the upgrading of bio-oil to hydrocarbon fuels, but their long-term stability in the process has been questioned. The primary issue addressed by this research is the effect of the presence of a large amount of water, both from the bio-oil itself (typically 25-30 wt% moisture) but also resulting from the hydrodeoxygenation reactions.  Catalyst formulations have been tested to validate stability and activity in an aqueous-rich environment through the use of high-throughput batch experimental methods.

Hydrotreating catalyst testing in aqueous-rich environments

244th National Meeting (2012)

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