Low-Temperature Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Giant Miscanthus with Alcohol as Cosolvent

Energy issues in the United States are currently receiving a very high priority. There is a strong desire to replace fossil fuels with alternative sources of energy since fuel prices are rising dramatically, and for the harming effect on the environment. Biomass is one of the most promising alternative sources of energy. In this study, hydrothermal liquefaction with alcohol co-solvents was applied on giant miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus) feedstock. All liquefaction experiments were conducted in 5500 series Parr® reactor. The most important parameters that affect the liquefaction process were studied. The yield of the liquefaction process was determined gravimetrically and the produced bio-oils were characterized. Bio-oil obtained at the optimum conditions was upgraded using different solid acid catalysts and the chemical composition for the upgraded bio-oil was determined. In a new study, the solid acids were added directly during the liquefaction process to produce upgraded bio-oil in one liquefaction/upgrading step