Microwave assisted decomposition of cellulose: A new thermochemical route for biomass exploitation.
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.
Budarin
Vitaly L
VL
Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
Clark
James H
JH
Lanigan
Brigid A
BA
Shuttleworth
Peter
P
Macquarrie
Duncan J
DJ
D018533:Biomass; D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D008872:Microwaves; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
D002482:Cellulose