A Convergent Approach for a Deep Converting Lignin-First Biorefinery Rendering High-Energy-Density Drop-in Fuels

Herein, a lignin-centered convergent approach to produce either aliphatic or aromatic bio-hydrocarbons is introduced. First, poplar or spruce wood was deconstructed by a lignin-first biorefining process, a technique based on the early-stage catalytic conversion of lignin, yielding lignin oils along with cellulosic pulps. Next, the lignin oils were catalytically upgraded in the presence of a phosphidated Ni/SiO(2) catalyst under H(2) pressure. Notably, selectivity toward aliphatics or aromatics can simply be adjusted by changes in H(2) pressure and temperature. The process renders two distinct main cuts of branched hydrocarbons (gasoline: C(6)-C(10), and kerosene/diesel: C(14)-C(20)). As the approach is H(2)-intensive, we examined the utilization of pulp as an H(2) source via gasification. For several biomass sources, the H(2) obtainable by gasification stoichiometrically meets the H(2) demand of the deep converting lignin-first biorefinery, making this concept plausible for the production of high-energy-density drop-in biofuels.