Catalytic Co-Pyrolysis of Kraft Lignin with Refuse-Derived Fuels Using Ni-Loaded ZSM-5 Type Catalysts

Recent advances in catalytic co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastic waste for the production of petroleum-like hydrocarbons

The global economy is threatened by the depletion of fossil resources and fluctuations in fossil fuel prices, and thus it is necessary to exploit sustainable energy sources. Carbon-neutral fuels including bio-oil obtained from biomass pyrolysis can act as alternatives to fossil fuels. Co-pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass and plastic is efficient to upgrade the quality of bio-oil because plastic facilitates deoxygenation. However, catalysts are required to produce bio-oil that is suitable for potential use as transportation fuel. This review presents an overview of recent advances in catalytic co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastic from the perspective of chemistry, catalyst, and feedstock pretreatment. Additionally, this review introduces not only recent research results of acid catalysts for catalytic co-pyrolysis, but also recent approaches that utilize base catalysts. Future research directions are suggested for commercially feasible co-pyrolysis process.

Lignin Valorizations with Ni Catalysts for Renewable Chemicals and Fuels Productions

Energy and fuels derived from biomass pose lesser impact on the environmental carbon footprint than those derived from fossil fuels. In order for the biomass-to-energy and biomass-to-chemicals processes to play their important role in the loop of the circular economy, highly active, selective, and stable catalysts and the related efficient chemical processes are urgently needed. Lignin is the most thermal stable fraction of biomass and a particularly important resource for the production of chemicals and fuels. This mini review mainly focuses on lignin valorizations for renewable chemicals and fuels production and summarizes the recent interest in the lignin valorization over Ni and relevant bimetallic metal catalysts on various supports. Particular attention will be paid to those strategies to convert lignin to chemicals and fuels components, such as pyrolysis, hydrodeoxygenation, and hydrogenolysis. The review is written in a simple and elaborated way in order to draw chemists and engineers’ attention to Ni-based catalysts in lignin valorizations and guide them in designing innovative catalytic materials based on the lignin conversion reaction.