Green coal and lubricant via hydrogen-free hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass
Maojiong Cao, E Reaihan, Changbin Yuan, Lasse Rosendahl, Yuanhui Zhang, Chunbao Xu, Yulong Wu, Deliang Kong, Yingxian Wang, Jiaming Li, Zhidan Liu
Abstract
Biocrude derived from biomass via hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a sustainable substitute for petroleum to obtain energy and biochemicals. Upgrading biocrude inevitably faces the trade-off between consuming large amounts of hydrogen via hydrotreating and high yield of solid residue without additional hydrogen. In this work, we report a non-hydrogenated refinery paradigm for nearly complete valorization (~90%), via co-generating green coal and bio-lubricant. The obtained green coal has higher heating values comparable to commercial coals, with a lower fuel ratio and reduced ash content. Viscosity of upgraded vacuum distillate is comparable to that of a lubricant oil. A life cycle assessment confirms 28% reduction in greenhouse gas emission and 35% reduction in energy input of this paradigm compared with conventional hydrotreating biorefinery. This approach presents an environmentally friendly, safe and convenient paradigm for biocrude refining from huge biowaste towards carbon-neutral society. Biocrude via hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass is a sustainable substitute for petroleum. Upgrading biocrude will consume hydrogen or encounter high-yield solid residue. Here, the authors report a hydrogen-free paradigm for nearly complete valorization via co-generating green coal and lubricant.