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Application of direct thermal liquefaction for the conversion of cellulosic biomass

Journal Article · · Ind. Eng. Chem., Prod. Res. Dev.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/i300015a029· OSTI ID:6231667

Direct thermochemical conversion of cellulosic biomass to useful products has been studied as an alternative to conventional biological processes. At temperatures of 250-400 C and pressures up to 20.7 MPa in the presence of sodium carbonate, pure cellulose was converted to a mixture of phenols, cyclopentanones, and hydroquinones as well as other components. This liquefaction oil and others were examined for their use as fuel asphalt substitutes and wood adhesives. The product composition tended to change with liquefaction time. One major product of cellulose liquefaction, 2,5-dimethyl-1,4-benzenediol, was formed during a reduction-oxidation procedure involving acetoin and biacetyl. The use of alkaline catalysts under liquefaction at 300 C was shown to shift the mechanism from one involving aqueous pyrolysis (predominant furan formation) to one incorporating aldol and related condensations. 33 references, 1 figure, 4 tables.

Research Organization:
Battelle, Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
6231667
Journal Information:
Ind. Eng. Chem., Prod. Res. Dev.; (United States), Journal Name: Ind. Eng. Chem., Prod. Res. Dev.; (United States) Vol. 23:3; ISSN IEPRA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English