Upgrading of bio-oil via acid-catalyzed reactions in alcohols — A mini review

Bio-oil is a condensable liquid produced from the pyrolysis of biomass, which can be upgraded to biofuels. Bio-oil is corrosive as it contains significant amounts of carboxylic acids, creating difficulties in handling of bio-oil and applications of bio-oil. Acid-treatment of bio-oil in alcohols is an upgrading method to transform the carboxylic acids in bio-oil into neutral esters. This study reviewed the recent progress in the research about the acid-catalyzed conversion of bio-oil in alcohols. The various catalytic processes for the acid treatment of bio-oil and the reaction network of some individual components of bio-oil during the upgrading were focused. The interactions among the main components of bio-oil during the acid-treatments were also discussed. •The progress in acid catalyzed conversions of bio-oil in alcohols was reviewed.•Reaction networks of the main components of bio-oil were summarized.•The catalytic processes for acid treatment of bio-oil were discussed.•The acid catalysts used in acid treatment of bio-oil were compared.