Fast pyrolysis, which is characterized by quick heating followed by quick quenching of the pyrolysis reactions, has attracted attention as a promising way to convert biomass into liquid products (so called “bio-oil”). Isolation of biochemicals such as levoglucosan, glycolaldehyde, and lignin-derived aromatic compounds is also considered as a possible application of bio-oil as well as for the upgrading into liquid biofuels such as gasoline and diesel.
The major drawback in bio-oil utilization is the oil instability and complex chemical compositions. Bio-oil tends to be solidified during storage, and tedious separation process is required to isolate biochemical. In our laboratory, these issues have been approached from the viewpoint of organic chemistry based on the molecular-based mechanisms of biomass pyrolysis.
Infrared image furnace used for fast pyrolysis of biomass