Hydrothermal liquefaction - upgrading

Hydrothermal processes open up the opportunity to convert biomass with a naturally high water content. In biomass conversion without water as a solvent and reactant the carbohydrates 'depolymerise', which requires higher temperatures. Lignocellulosic biomass is one of the most abundant renewable organic materials in the world. Lignin, a major compound of lignocellulosic biomass, is mostly available as waste material. As lignin is relatively resistant to chemical or enzymatic degradation, harsh reaction conditions are required to break down the polymer. The high amount of water contaminated with organic compounds is a challenge of hydrothermal liquefaction process development.