CATALYSTS AND SORBENTS FOR THERMOCHEMICAL CONVERSION OF BIOMASS TO RENEWABLE BIOFUELS-MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT NEEDS

摘要

Rising world demands for oil and a finite petroleum reserve have renewed interest in alternate liquid fuel sources that are diverse, secure, and affordable. Biomass is a renewable source of carbon that is abundant in many regions of the world. A focal point in alternative fuel research is the production of biofuels derived from lignocellulosic material and especially biofuels made with waste biomass or feedstocks grown on marginal land. Several different routes of thermochemical biomass conversion, including production of bio-oil through pyrolysis with subsequent bio-oil upgrading and production of syngas through gasification with subsequent gas to liquid fuel synthesis will be discussed. The material development needs in each stage will be identified.