Characterization of Bio-oils from Different Pyrolysis Process Steps and Biomass Using High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Next-generation biofuels have been widely investigated because they have particular advantages compared to first-generation biofuels. Pyrolysis is an example of a thermochemical route extensively used in oil and coal industries worldwide to produce these biofuels. Strategies for low-cost upgrading are among the biggest challenges facing the adoption of bio-oils in the development of commercial biofuels. Specific biomass sources could be the best option for generating bio-oil with the required properties. For this, it is necessary to understand the composition of these biomasses and their bio-oils. Here, we analyzed bio-oil samples from the fast pyrolysis of different biomasses collected during two different steps of the process by direct-infusion high-resolution mass spectrometry. First, a comparative study of two common high-resolution mass spectrometers, quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS) and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), was performed to va...