Catalytic conversion of biomass pyrolysis vapors into hydrocarbon fuel precursors

We report on a new pyrolytic pathway for biomass conversion to hydrocarbon fuel precursors. The process entails the conversion of multifunctional oxygenates generated from biomass pyrolysis over a metal oxide catalyst into ketonic-rich monofunctional molecules suitable for making hydrocarbon fuel components for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. A number of catalysts were explored, for example, anatase TiO2 nanorods, CeOx–TiO2 mixed oxides, pure CeO2, ZrO2, and MgO. Under pyrolysis conditions, ceria-based catalysts were effective in the conversion of hydroxy-carbonyls, anhydrosugars, and carboxylic acids into acetone, 2-butanone, pentanones, C6/C7 ketones, cyclopentanone, and 2-cyclopentenones. The highest carbon yield (23.5%) of ketonic precursors was achieved on the pure CeO2.