Advanced spectrometric methods for characterizing bio-oils to enable refineries to reduce fuel carbon intensity during co-processing. Issue 1 (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dell'Orco, Stefano; Rowland, Steven M.; Harman-Ware, Anne E.; Carpenter, Daniel; Foust, Thomas; Christensen, Earl D.; Mukarakate, Calvin
• Is Part Of: Applied spectroscopy reviews. Volume 57:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 87
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Pyrolysis -- co-processing -- bio-oil -- gas chromatography -- GPC -- GCxGC -- FT-ICR MS -- NMR; Spectrum analysis -- Periodicals; 535.84
• DOI: 10.1080/05704928.2021.1920030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0570-4928

Abstract

Abstract: A promising approach for supplementing petroleum-derived fuels to support reductions in green-house gas emissions is to convert abundant biomass feedstocks into renewable carbon-rich oils using pyrolysis. However, the resultant bio-oils contain various oxygenated compounds that can impart acidity, chemical and thermal instability, and immiscibility with petroleum derived fuels, necessitating further upgrading to derive fuel blendstocks. Co-processing bio-oils and petroleum-derived liquids in existing refineries is a potentially near-term, cost-effective approach for upgrading bio-oils while reducing refinery carbon intensities. However, one cause for hesitation in co-processing bio-oils is limited comprehensive characterization and speciation of the bio-oil components. Advanced analytical techniques are currently under investigation to enable identification of elusive species in bio-oils, enabling researchers to develop strategies to mitigate catalyst deactivation agents and contaminants. This review provides a brief overview of several analytical methods commonly used to analyze bio-oils and their limitations. In addition, advanced techniques currently under development are discussed to further elucidate bio-oil components that may limit its end use. This will help inform the technical and economic feasibility of co-processing bio-oils with petroleum-derived liquids, therefore, improving the overall downstream processes for biofuels blendstock production.