AUTHOR=Royko Michael M. , Drummond Samuel M. , Boyt James , Ghoreishian Seyed Majid , Lauterbach Jochen TITLE=Novel process for the upgrading of model torrefaction bio-oils using ammonia JOURNAL=Frontiers in Energy Research VOLUME=10 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/energy-research/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2022.1088902 DOI=10.3389/fenrg.2022.1088902 ISSN=2296-598X ABSTRACT=

Bio-oils produced from torrefaction or pyrolysis of biomass constitute an under-utilized product that generally requires complicated processing. The high acidity and water content pose storage and transportation issues, and the complex nature of the organic species makes utilization as a chemical feedstock troublesome. Most methodologies to separate and upgrade bio-oils involve multiple distinct steps and solvent-based extractions, complicating the process and adding cost. In this work, we demonstrate a simple one-step solution using ammonia to separate the aqueous and organic phases of a model bio-oil. This process produces an aqueous phase that contains ammonium species that could be utilized as a fertilizer and an organic phase that can be used as an additive for transportation fuels or could be burned to produce electricity.