EUBCE 2026 - Carmen VAN POELGEEST - Microwave-Assisted Catalytic Upgrading of Bio-Oil to Renewable Fuels and Chemicals

Microwave-Assisted Catalytic Upgrading of Bio-Oil to Renewable Fuels and Chemicals

Short Introductive summary

This work develops a hydrogen-free microwave-assisted process to catalytically upgrade biomass pyrolysis oil, addressing the need for sustainable biofuels and chemicals. Raw bio-oil has limited applicability due to its high acidity, elevated oxygen content, and the presence of up to 30?wt% high-molecular-weight pyrolytic lignin. To improve the quality of bio-oil, oxygenated species are removed through catalytic transfer hydrodeoxygenation reactions at approximately 400°C and 2 MPa. Instead of conventional hydrogen gas, this work employs hydrogen donor solvents which transfer hydrogen directly to bio-oil molecules, enabling operation under less energy-intensive process conditions. Furthermore, the process is driven by microwave heating, which exploits the selective dielectric heating of the bio-oil, solvent, and catalytic components. Specifically, certain microwave-absorbing catalysts, such as nickel and iron, supported on carbon or zirconia, heat rapidly under microwave irradiation, resulting in localised thermal “hotspots” at active sites. These hotspots accelerate reaction kinetics and improve energy efficiency, enabling effective catalytic upgrading.

C. van Poelgeest, University of Nottingham, UNITED KINGDOM
M. Adam, University of Nottingham, UNITED KINGDOM
E. Binner, University of Nottingham, UNITED KINGDOM
S. Rigby, University of Nottingham, UNITED KINGDOM
S. Ighofose, University of Nottingham, UNITED KINGDOM