Title:
Microwave-assisted, Hydrogen-free Routes for Biomass Pyrolysis Oil Upgrading: A Literature Review
Author(s):
van Poelgeest, C., Adam, M., Binner, E., Rigby, S., Ighofose, S.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Bio-oil, derived from abundant lignocellulosic biomass, represents a promising feedstock for sustainable fuels and chemicals in a Net Zero economy. Its direct application is limited by its acidity, high oxygen and water content, and the presence of up to 30 wt% high-molecular-weight pyrolytic lignin. The conventional method for upgrading, catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO), is effective but energy-intensive and relies on high-pressure hydrogen gas. This review explores a sustainable, hydrogen-free upgrading strategy with catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) for in situ transfer of hydrogen from donor solvents directly to bio-oil molecules. Microwave (MW) heating is explored to enable process electrification, providing enhanced energy efficiency, shorter reaction times, and selective heating of MW-absorbing catalysts and solvents. Whilst the review confirmed the benefits of this approach for various feedstocks and model compounds, the MW-assisted catalytic upgrading of lignocellulosic bio-oil remains a largely unexplored area.
Keywords:
biofuel, catalytic conversion, hydrogen, pyrolysis oil, lignocellulosic sources, microwave-assisted heating
Topic:
Biomass Conversion to Intermediate Bioenergy Carriers and Sustainable Biofuels
Subtopic:
Biofuels and renewable hydrocarbon biofuels
Event:
34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
5AV.4.19
Pages:
824 - 842
ISBN:
978-88-89407-27-1
Paper DOI:
10.5071/34thEUBCE2026-5AV.4.19
Price:
FREE
