An Evaluation of Catalyst Applications in Bio-Oil Upgrading and Biomass Pyrolysis
M. Kotsur
Abstract
Biomass has been offered as a sustainable replacement to fossil fuels since it can be converted into chemicals and liquid fuels. Recent years have seen a surge in interest in the feasibility of combining biomass rapid pyrolysis and bio-oil catalytic upgrading to produce liquid biofuels. There would be no progress in this process without the catalysts. Although progress has been achieved, problems with catalyst selectivity and inactivation persist despite these efforts. Many catalysts have proven effective, leading to notable advancements in the processes of petroleum refining. As petroleum refining and biomass conversion share a similar reaction pathway and substrate, the lessons learned from catalyst applications in the former might pave the way for breakthroughs in the latter. This article provides a concise comparison of numerous catalysts used in the refining of petroleum and the manufacture of biofuels. In this paper, pyrolysis and bio-oils upgrading are investigated as potential applications for petroleum refining catalysts.