From sciencedaily
Scientists have now developed a new catalytic process to convert components of bio-oil directly into alkanes and methanol. The process is based on a "one-pot" reaction catalyzed by a precious metal on a carbon support combined with an inorganic acid. (Credit: Copyright Wiley-VCH)
Biomass As A Source Of Raw Materials
For the protection of the environment, and because of the limited amount of fossil fuels available, renewable resources, such as specially cultivated plants, wood scraps, and other plant waste, are becoming the focus of considerable attention.
Bio-oil is an aqueous, acidic, highly oxidized mixture. However, its high oxygen content and instability turn out to have a negative impact: bio-oil cannot be used directly as a liquid fuel. It would, however, be highly interesting as a source of basic raw materials if it were possible to convert it to alkanes. Alkanes, which are also commonly called paraffins, are saturated hydrocarbons; they are among the most important raw materials for chemical industry, and in particular as starting materials for the production of plastics. Furthermore, they are among the primary fuels in the world's economy. Read more here
Scientists have now developed a new catalytic process to convert components of bio-oil directly into alkanes and methanol. The process is based on a "one-pot" reaction catalyzed by a precious metal on a carbon support combined with an inorganic acid. (Credit: Copyright Wiley-VCH)Biomass As A Source Of Raw Materials
For the protection of the environment, and because of the limited amount of fossil fuels available, renewable resources, such as specially cultivated plants, wood scraps, and other plant waste, are becoming the focus of considerable attention.
Bio-oil is an aqueous, acidic, highly oxidized mixture. However, its high oxygen content and instability turn out to have a negative impact: bio-oil cannot be used directly as a liquid fuel. It would, however, be highly interesting as a source of basic raw materials if it were possible to convert it to alkanes. Alkanes, which are also commonly called paraffins, are saturated hydrocarbons; they are among the most important raw materials for chemical industry, and in particular as starting materials for the production of plastics. Furthermore, they are among the primary fuels in the world's economy. Read more here