Synthesis of Fuels from Biomass Derived Oxygenates

Abstract

Direct conversion of wooden biomass to liquid fuels is performed in two-step process. First step is to transform cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin into to basic chemical compounds which they are assembled of (mainly basic sugars, cyclic C6 and C5 oxygenated hydrocarbons). These compounds are then further transformed to polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol.Nevertheless, this project is focuses on testing of catalysts for second step, which is transformation of obtained C2 and C3 polyalcohols to C6+ hydrocarbons (diesel-like compounds) with concurrent reduction of oxygen content. Produced liquid is then suitable for combustion in car engines.Most important chemical reaction for this process is aldol condensation. Aldol condensation is complex, little explored reaction, which behaves differently according to reactants present in the process. Better understanding of such reaction and its followed application in second step direct catalytic biofuel production was done by preparation and testing of various types of catalysts and theirs properties.