Liquefaction of wood and its model components

• Published in: Journal of analytical and applied pyrolysis Vol. 125; pp. 136 - 143
• Main Authors: Barnés, M. Castellví, de Visser, M.M., van Rossum, G., Kersten, S.R.A., Lange, J.-P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.05.2017
• Subjects: Biocrude; Carbohydrate; Characterisation; Lignin; Liquefaction; Biocrude; Lignin; Carbohydrate; Characterisation; Liquefaction
• ISSN: 0165-2370; 1873-250X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaap.2017.04.008

[Display omitted] •Char is formed by condensation of accessible carbohydrates, particularly when present at high concentration. The char is not a degradation product of the biocrude.•The heavy fraction of the biocrude is mainly coming from the lignin, likely through incomplete depolymerisation.•Despites their chemically differences, carbohydrates and lignin produce a similar phenolic-type biocrude. Pinewood and various model components were liquefied to bio-oil at 300–310°C in 1-methylnaphthalene to study the chemistry of the liquefaction process. Cellulose, amylopectin and organosolv lignin were used as model components for the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin parts of the wood. Furthermore, a few experiments with glucose and wood were performed for a better understanding of the process. The liquefaction products were analysed by 13C NMR, FTIR, Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), GC–MS and C:H:O analysis (elemental analysis). The results indicated that the carbohydrates result in char, gas and light biocrude while the lignin leads mainly to light and heavy biocrude. However, the biocrude shows a very similar phenolic character is all cases, even when coming from carbohydrates. Similarities and differences with liquefaction in near/supercritical water or with pyrolysis are highlighted.