Rapid characterization of lignocellulosic feedstocks for fuels and chemicals: Molecular beam mass spectrometric approach
- National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)
Rapid characterization of biomass feedstocks has a pivotal role in the development of biomass energy because of the large number of samples that must be analyzed due to the diversity of biomass feedstocks and the significant differences in the chemical and physical properties of these feedstocks. Conventional chemical analysis of biomass feedstocks, although very useful, is time-consuming and not very practical for large scale screening experiments, hence the need for rapid characterization techniques. The molecular beam mass spectrometer and pyrolysis gas chromatography, which can analyze biomass pyrolysis vapors in real time, are unique tools for rapid qualitative and quantitative analyses of biomass feedstocks. Several biomass feedstocks (herbaceous, woody, and agricultural residues) were screened for the effects of storage, season of harvest, geographic location, clonal, and species variation on the pyrolysis products of the feedstocks. For herbaceous species such as sericea lespedeza, the season of harvest had a significant effect on the pyrolysis products. Effects of clonal variation on the composition of hybrid poplar feedstocks was easily discerned with the molecular beam mass spectrometric analysis. The effect of geographic location on the poplar clones pyrolysis products was minimal. However, in the case of switchgrass, varietal influence on the pyrolysis products was minimal, but where the plant was grown had a strong influence on the pyrolysis products of the feedstock. Significant differences because of species variation could also be shown from the pyrolysis products of various biomass feedstocks. The influence of storage time on biomass samples stored outside in the open could also be discerned from the pyrolysis products of the feedstocks. The differences noted in the pyrolysis products of the feedstocks were noted for samples which were significantly degraded during storage either through the action of microflora or weathering.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 110852
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/CP-433-7748; CONF-9410343-; ON: DE95004052; TRN: 95:005145-0027
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Applications of free-jet, molecular beam, mass spectrometric sampling conference, Estes Park, CO (United States), 11-14 Oct 1994; Other Information: PBD: Mar 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Applications of free-jet, molecular beam, mass spectrometric sampling: Proceedings; Milne, T. [ed.]; PB: 305 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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