Hydrogen-donor solvents in biomass liquefaction

The liquefaction of pure number61-cellulose with hydrogen-donor solvents such as tetralin and 2-propano was studied in a batch autoclave system under both inert and hydrogen atmospheres. Reaction conditions involved temperatures between 270 and 400/sup 0/ C, residence times between 0 and 60 min, and hydrogen pressures between 0 and 500 psi. The use of homogeneous and heterogeneous hydrogenolysis catalysts was also investigated. Unde these conditions, up to 100% of the initial cellulose feed was converted, resulting in oil yields greate than 50%. The oxygen content of the product oil was significantly lower than that of the cellulose feed (less than 25 wt % in most cases), and it generally decreased with increasing reaction temperature. Low and intermediate temperatures less than or equal to360 /sup 0/C) favored oil production, while higher temperatures induced severe hydrocracking of the product oil to gases.