MOST- Novel microwave fluidized bed reactor for catalytic pyrolysis of biomass residues and biochar applications

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There are estimated 30 million tonnes of forest residues available each year at British Columbia, which can be converted to high-value liquid biofuels or biochemicals to offset the high cost associated with collection and pretreatment. Pyrolysis is a thermal cracking process of biomass in the absence of oxygen, which converts biomass to bio-oil and biochar. Bio-oil can be further upgraded to liquid fuels. Pyrolysis has been identified as a promising pathway for converting biomass residues to biofuels (diesel and jet fuel) and biochemicals (e.g. carbon, alcohols). The low quality of bio-oil and biochar, however, imposes challenges in upgrading and application. Specifically, the high oxygen content in bio-oil consumes large amount hydrogen in upgrading operation, which accounts for more than 66% of total greenhouse gas emissions over the whole liquid biofuel supply chain associated with hydrogen production from fossil fuels. The poor quality of biochar also surrenders its use as fertilizer for soil applications and as a reducing agent in metallurgical processes.