title: Microwave assisted decomposition of cellulose: A new thermochemical route for biomass exploitation.
abstract: A microwave assisted low temperature decomposition process has been developed for production of high quality fuels from biomass. 180 degrees C was identified as key in the process mechanism, as the amorphous region of cellulose softens allowing a microwave induced rearrangement. Proton transfer is then possible under the microwave field resulting in acid catalysed decomposition. This low temperature process has been shown to be suitable for scale-up, producing a high quality char for use as a coal replacement and bio-oil suitable for upgrading to liquid fuel.
authors.affiliation: Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
authors.forename: Vitaly L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Budarin
authors.forename: James H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Brigid A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Lanigan
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Shuttleworth
authors.forename: Duncan J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Macquarrie
mesh_terms: D018533:Biomass; D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D008872:Microwaves; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
chemical_list: D002482:Cellulose