Review of bio-oil upgrading from biomass pyrolysis

Abstract

Pyrolysis is a promising method of converting biomass to renewable bio-oil. However, bio-oil is crude and its use in conventional engines is restricted without efficient procedure for upgrading. A critical literature review of the current status of production and bio oil upgrading from biomass pyrolysis is presented with the aim to identify new areas for further research. The technology of thermochemical process is described. The bio-oil is characterized by undesirable properties that affect its use. These properties need to be improved upon and this aspect is considered in terms of physical, chemical and catalytic upgrading. The increasing diversity of catalytic process, particularly the current trend of dehydrogenation and deoxylation to eliminate coke formation and increase bio-oil yield was highlighted.