Biomass Conversion Catalyst for Energy-Efficient Bio Oil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrothermal liquefaction methods for converting biomass to crude bio oil are energy inefficient, time-consuming, and yield low results, often requiring multiple heating steps and lacking catalyst regeneration capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst composition comprising metals (0.1-15 wt.%) and a solubilizing agent (4-50 wt.%) supported on materials like alumina, silica, or zeolites, which is prepared through a process involving dispersion, impregnation, and calcination, allowing for efficient hydrothermal conversion of biomass to crude bio oil with high yield and catalyst regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple heating steps are used in hydrothermal liquefaction, then conversion of biomass to crude bio oil can be achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters by introducing a catalyst system comprising metal particles (0.1-15 wt%) on a support with solubilizing agents (4-50 wt%). This catalyst enables the hydrothermal liquefaction to proceed efficiently in a single heating step at 200-400°C, eliminating the need for multiple heating steps and improving energy efficiency while maintaining high conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The catalyst acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates the conversion of biomass to crude bio oil. The metal particles on the support with solubilizing agents mediate the hydrothermal liquefaction process, enabling single-step conversion and reducing both energy consumption and processing time compared to catalyst-free multi-step processes.
2Productivity
If catalyst is used in hydrothermal liquefaction, then conversion efficiency improves, but catalyst regeneration capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a catalyst recovery and regeneration system where the catalyst is separated from the reaction mixture after hydrothermal liquefaction and can be reused for subsequent batches. This addresses the lack of catalyst regeneration capability while maintaining high conversion efficiency and yield of crude bio oil across multiple cycles.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional hydrothermal liquefaction is performed without catalyst, then process simplicity is maintained, but yield of crude bio oil remains low (40-43%)
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst system comprising metal particles (0.1-15 wt%) on a support with solubilizing agents (4-50 wt%) serves as an intermediary that significantly enhances the yield of crude bio oil from 40-43% to 45-80%. The catalyst facilitates the hydrothermal liquefaction process while maintaining operational simplicity through single-step heating, thus improving productivity without substantially complicating the manufacturing process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process achieves a high yield of crude bio oil (45-80%) with improved energy efficiency and catalyst recyclability, producing bio oil compatible with refinery processes and maintaining carbon content of 74-80%, while being time-saving and energy-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
A catalyst composition comprising metals (0.1-15 wt.%) and a solubilizing agent (4-50 wt.%) supported on materials like alumina, silica, or zeolites, which is prepared through a process involving dispersion, impregnation, and calcination, allowing for efficient hydrothermal conversion of biomass to crude bio oil with high yield and catalyst regeneration.
Implementation Method 2
Hydrothermal liquefaction is a process for converting high-moisture waste biomass into energy dense 'crude bio oil' that can be used for direct combustion or refined for transportation grade fuels. HTL, also called hydrous pyrolysis, is a process for the reduction of complex organic materials such as bio-waste or biomass into crude oil and other chemicals.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a catalyst composition for conversion of biomass to crude bio oil. The composition comprises at least one metal compound, at least one support and at least one stabilizing/solubilizing agent. Also disclosed are processes for the preparation of catalyst composition, and hydrothermal conversion of biomass to crude bio oil.