Development of functionalized biochar based catalysts for production of low carbon fuels

开发用于生产低碳燃料的功能化生物炭基催化剂

• 批准号: RGPIN-2021-03331
• 负责人: Klinghoffer, Naomi
• 金额: $ 2.04万
• 依托单位: University of Western Ontario
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=746696
• 关键词: Development; functionalized; biochar; based; catalysts

The concept of a circular economy is gaining attention due to the need to reduce waste disposal, resource extraction, and emissions that contribute to climate change. To achieve this we must develop processes to convert waste into valuable products. The long-term objectives of my research program can be characterized as "waste-to-resource" as we will develop catalytic and thermochemical processes for the conversion of waste to fuels, chemicals and materials. My short-term objectives focus on developing novel biochar-based catalysts for the production of low carbon fuels. While biochar has been studied for applications such as pollution reduction and soil amendment, it shows excellent potential to be developed into a highly effective renewable and sustainable catalyst for production of low carbon fuels; however, its catalytic properties are not well understood. My research program will focus on: Objective 1: Gain mechanistic insights into how biochar properties evolve during gasification and pyrolysis of complex feedstocks. We will evaluate pore evolution, interactions of volatiles, surface mobility of metals and surface functionalities developed during gasification/pyrolysis of clean biomass, plastic/biomass mixtures, and biomass from phytoremediation. Objective 2: Engineer biochar surfaces to achieve high-performing catalysts for the production of low carbon fuels. These will be developed by (i) modifying the surface via chemical or physical treatments or (ii) adding catalytic metals to the surface. These catalysts will be tested for tar reforming to produce syngas from biomass and methane decarbonization to produce H2 from CH4. Objective 3: Determine activity of spent biochar catalyst for biogas cleaning. We will study the physical and chemical properties, and performance of spent biochar catalysts compared to biochar and activated carbon. Another objective is training HQP who will contribute to society with the practical implementation of these technologies. Novelty and Impact My research program will develop applications for challenging feedstocks such as mixed waste that is typically disposed of since existing technologies are normally too costly. We will establish fundamental knowledge of reaction mechanisms during biochar production which will form the foundation for developing processes for waste conversion. Our work will examine the role of metals in biochar's catalytic activity, which is not well understood. We will post-process the biochar to engineer enhanced properties. While others have not investigated utilization of spent biochar catalysts, establishing applications for these supports a circular economy. This approach benefits municipalities and forestry, agricultural and food industries by turning a liability into a valuable product. This also addresses our critical need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by producing renewable and low carbon fuels. Overall it will create jobs, wealth and environmental protection.

由于需要减少导致气候变化的废物处理、资源开采和排放，循环经济的概念正在受到关注。为了实现这一目标，我们必须开发将废物转化为有价值产品的工艺。我的研究项目的长期目标可以被描述为“废物转化为资源”，因为我们将开发催化和热化学过程，将废物转化为燃料、化学品和材料。我的短期目标集中在开发新型生物炭基催化剂，用于生产低碳燃料。虽然生物炭已被研究用于减少污染和土壤改良等应用，但它显示出极好的潜力，可以发展成为生产低碳燃料的高效可再生和可持续催化剂；然而，其催化性能尚不清楚。我的研究计划将集中在：目标1：在复杂原料的气化和热解过程中，获得生物炭特性如何演变的机制见解。我们将评估在清洁生物质、塑料/生物质混合物和植物修复生物质的气化/热解过程中形成的孔隙演化、挥发物的相互作用、金属的表面迁移率和表面功能。目标2：设计生物炭表面，以获得生产低碳燃料的高性能催化剂。这些将通过(i)通过化学或物理处理修饰表面或（ii）在表面添加催化金属来开发。这些催化剂将用于焦油重整以从生物质中产生合成气和甲烷脱碳以从CH4中产生H2的测试。目的3：测定沼气净化用废生物炭催化剂的活性。我们将研究废生物炭催化剂的物理和化学性质，以及与生物炭和活性炭相比的性能。另一个目标是培训HQP，他们将通过这些技术的实际实施为社会做出贡献。我的研究项目将开发具有挑战性的原料应用，如混合废物，由于现有技术通常过于昂贵，通常被处理。我们将建立生物炭生产过程中反应机制的基本知识，这将形成开发废物转化过程的基础。我们的工作将研究金属在生物炭的催化活性中的作用，这一点还没有得到很好的理解。我们将对生物炭进行后处理，以提高其性能。虽然其他人没有研究利用废生物炭催化剂，但建立这些催化剂的应用支持循环经济。这种方法将负债转化为有价值的产品，从而使市政当局和林业、农业和食品工业受益。这也解决了我们通过生产可再生和低碳燃料来减少温室气体排放的迫切需要。总的来说，它将创造就业、财富和环境保护。