Biochar-driven simplification of the compositions of cellulose-pyrolysis-derived biocrude oil coupled with the promotion of hydrogen generation

The corn stover originated biochar was developed to catalyze and simplify the compositions of biocrude oil from cellulose pyrolysis. The generation of common species such as furans and (anhydro)-sugars in the biocrude oil from cellulose pyrolysis was weakened remarkably in the presence of biochars, while the formation of phenol and alkylphenols was enhanced. The formation of hydrogen was favored when the biochar was presented. For example at the temperature of 600 °C and biochar to cellulose ratio of 3, about 78 vol% of hydrogen was detected, increased from around 48 vol% for non-catalytic pyrolysis. Despite 10 cycles of reuse, the biochar remained a good activity towards promoting the generation of hydrogen and monomeric phenols. This work relates to a new access to simplify the compositions of biocrude oil and produce renewable hydrogen energy through the low-cost, simple, and highly stable biochar catalyst.