Abstract:
A process is claimed for converting carbon dioxide to liquid fuels. In the process carbon dioxide is adsorbed to a catalyst composition, and reacted with hydrogen to form oxygenated hydrocarbons. Hydrogen for use in the process can be generated in situ or ex situ. The process can be carried out in a fully carbon neutral manner.
Abstract:
A process is disclosed for the conversion of cellulosic biomass, in particular ligno-cellulosic biomass. The process comprises heating the biomass to a conversion temperature in the range of from 200 to 500 o C in the presence of a catalyst system. The catalyst system comprises a basic functionality comprising an alkali metal component and a multivalent metal component. The catalyst system optionally further comprises an acidic component.
Abstract:
A process is disclosed for regenerating or derivatizing cellulose. The process comprises the steps of providing a source of unrefined cellulose, and dissolving the unrefined cellulose in a molten inorganic salt. The source of unrefined cellulose may be a biomass, such as wood. The process permits the regeneration or derivatization of cellulose having a high degree of polymerization.
Abstract:
Liquid suspensions are disclosed comprising a suspending medium, small particles of biomass, and small particles of an inorganic material. The inorganic material stabilizes the suspension, so that it may be transported by pipeline or tank car without developing a sediment. The suspension may be used in manufacturing a bio-fuel.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a pyrolysis product of a biomass material. This product, referred to as bio-crude, has a total acid number (TAN) of less than 10, and is suitable for processing in stainless steel equipment. A process for making the bio-crude comprises pyrolysis of a biomass in the presence of a particulate catalyst. The TAN of the bio-crude may be reduced further by reducing the bio-crude with coke and or CO produced in the process.
Abstract:
A process is disclosed for converting polysaccharides to platform chemicals. The process comprises dissolving the polysaccharides in a inorganic molten salt hydrate, converting the polysaccharides to monosaccharides, and converting the monosaccharides to platform chemicals that are easily separable from the inorganic molten salt hydrate. Preferably the polysaccharides are provided in the form of a biomass, more preferably a ligno-cellulosic biomass.
Abstract:
A process for converting cellulose to glucose, said process comprising the steps of: providing a hydrated molten salt; contacting the hydrated molten salt with a cellulose-containing material to form dissolved glucose; removing the dissolved glucose from the hydrated molten salt.
Abstract:
A process is disclosed for converting biomass to fuels and/or valuable chemicals. The process comprises the steps of a) activating biomass to make it more susceptible to conversion; c) partially converting the biomass to a solubilized material; and d) subjecting the unconverted biomass to a second conversion step. The process optionally comprises a step b) of adding a solvent to the activated biomass. In a preferred embodiment the solubilized biomass obtained in step c) is removed before the unconverted biomass is subjected to step d).
Abstract:
A process is disclosed for converting lipid-containing biomass to a liquid fuel and/or platform chemicals. The process comprises the steps of dissolving the lipid-containing biomass in an ionic liquid, whereby a lipid phase and a hydrophilic phase are formed. The lipid phase contains primarily triglycerides, which can be converted to biodiesel by transesterification to, e.g., methyl esters. The hydrophilic phase comprises dissolved biopolymers, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and protein. The biopolymers are converted in situ to compounds that are insoluble in the ionic liquid. The ionic liquid is regenerated by removing insolubles, such as lignin, ash from the biomass, and water.
Abstract:
Liquid suspensions are disclosed comprising a suspending medium, small particles of biomass, and small particles of an inorganic material. The inorganic material stabilizes the suspension, so that it may be transported by pipeline or tank car without developing a sediment. The suspension may be used in manufacturing a bio-fuel.