SCOPE
Use of hydrogen as feedstock
Maturity Level
TRL 2
Development Level
Laboratory
Protection Level
Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of lignin to obtain biofuels
Entity:
The production of energy and chemicals from renewable resources, such as biomass, has intensified as an alternative to petroleum products. Lignocellulose, the most abundant renewable biomass, contains three polymers: cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignin is an interesting reaction for producing hydrocarbons with lower oxygen content.
Since lignin has a complex structure, studies have been carried out with model molecules, such as guaiacol. In the Greencat research group of the Rovira i Virgili University we have developed Ni catalysts supported on biochar (obtained from biomass) and mixed with acid zeolites selective to the formation of cyclohexane (> 80%) from guaiacol HDO at low temperatures (180ºC).
Challenges met
Obtaining biofuels from renewable raw materials instead of fossil fuels.
Scope of application
- Energy industries
Main publications
Related projects
- New sustainable catalytic strategies for obtaining innovative bio-based products from inedible biomass. Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. (Ref: PID2019-110735RB-C22)
- Promoting biorefinery in the Tarragona region: catalytic production of biofuels from almond shells. Tarragona Provincial Council (Ref. 2022/20).
Other related technologies
