Overview and technology opportunities for thermochemically-produced bio-blendstocks. Issue 5 (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Struhs, Ethan; Mirkouei, Amin; Ramirez-Corredores, Maria Magdalena; McDonald, Armando G.; Chacon, Martha L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 9:Issue 5(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: CFP catalytic fast pyrolysis -- ESP electrostatic precipitation -- FCC fluid catalytic cracking -- FP fast pyrolysis -- FT Fischer-Tropsch -- GHG greenhouse gas -- H/C hydrogen to carbon ratio -- HDT hydrotreatment -- HTL hydrothermal liquefaction -- O/C oxygen to carbon ratio -- SP slow pyrolysis -- UC ultrasonic cavitation; Lignocellulosic biomass -- Bio-oil -- Biofuel -- Bio-blendstock -- Thermochemical conversion -- Upgrading technology; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.106255
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Abstract: Global demand for transportation fuels is projected to increase 40% by 2040, and biomass-derived fuels (biofuels) play a crucial role in substituting fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, biofuels are mainly consumed as blendstocks combined with petroleum-based fuels, and effective conversion technologies can address the quality challenges for offering standalone biofuels. Thermochemical conversion process is one of the most promising pathways among existing technologies for biofuel production. However, the major barriers are unwanted characteristics (e.g., thermal instability) of intermediate products, such as bio-oil, and required upgrading treatments for producing compatible fuels. This study highlights the merits and critical challenges of thermochemical conversion and physicochemical upgrading technologies for bio-blendstock production from lignocellulosic biomass. The novelty of this study lies in potential directions for future research through both critical and systematic literature reviews, and the proposed intensified process for lignocellulosic-based fuel blendstocks production. It is concluded that recovery and fractionation strategies (e.g., quenching and stripping) can maximize process yields and add values in the efficient conversion pathways. Effective quenching can stop secondary free radical reactions and improve liquid yields over gas and solid yields. Stripping process can improve process yield, catalyst lifespan, and thermal stability. It is further concluded that physicochemical treatments are not as effective as thermochemical treatments, but have advantages of mild operating conditions and potential for integrated solutions in conjunction with other treatments. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: This study reviews biomass conversion and bio-oil upgrading advancements. Current thermochemical technologies and techniques are analyzed. Process challenges are identified, and potential solutions are provided. An intensified conversion and upgrading process is proposed.