Thermochemical Depolymerization of Biomass

AbstractBiomass is considered as a clean source of renewable energy, utilization of biomass may reduce the environmental pollutions. This paper presents a review of the chemistry and process of depolymerization of biomass; which results in production of oil and gaseous fuels from such important renewable energy source. Also, thermal hydro-cracking of lignin enhances coal liquefaction by producing intermediates which then react further with coal producing lower molecular weight material, which more desirable. Enhancement of coal conversion due to the addition of lignin is found to be a function of time. It is dependent upon temperature of reaction and the type of lignin used. By increasing the ratio of lignin to coal will result in deploymerizing larger portions of coal. This indicates that it can be used as a catalyst in liquefaction of higher molecular weight of hydrocarbon solid fuels such as coal and heavy petroleum fuels