Utilization of Biomass Carbon Through Pyrolysis Products

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Canada has seen commercialization of various biomass pyrolysis processes producing bio-oil and biochar. These products have great potential to bring about a significant impact into the energy and chemicals sectors of the Canadian economy. However, upgrading of bio-oil is still a challenge; and the utilization of bio-oil as platform chemicals has not been fully explored. Furthermore, previous work in the Ellis lab has identified the unique carbon structure of biochar as renewable catalysts. The present research program focuses on novel ways of utilizing pyrolysis products through three approaches. 1) Bio-oil emulsification and pyrolytic lignin utilization: By applying the solvency of biodiesel, bio-oil components are extracted through emulsification producing two layers: the biodiesel rich phase which will be conditioned as fuel; and the pyrolytic lignin rich phase which will be developed for further value-added chemicals. The objective is to extend the economic value of bio-oil. 2) Biochar based solid acid catalyst development: Through chemical and physical activations of biochar, the surface area, porosity and structural changes are attained to tune the biochar as an effective catalyst. Active functional groups are reacted on the biochar surface. The fundamental knowledge gained through carbon morphology and functionalization will lead to developing a novel class of catalysts based on renewable sources. 3) Biochar catalyst for tar reforming: Co-processing biomass or impregnating biochar with alkali metals, biochar can support catalytically active sites potentially suitable for tar reformation in a biomass gasifier. High oxygenated functional groups in biochar results in favourable reactivity suitable as catalyst support and carbon source. The proposed research will generate novel value-added and marketable applications for bio-oil and biochar leading to reduced reliance on fossil fuels and benefits to the Canadian forest sector. The program combines fundamental research related to solution chemistry and catalytic properties with chemical reactor engineering, thus, offering ideal HQP training. These innovative applications will have a positive effect on the Canadian environment and economy.