Ionic Liquid Based Conversion of Biomass to Hydrocarbon Fuels
Abstract
Cellulose is the most abundant form of living biomass on earth. It has been estimated that the annual photosynthetic production of cellulose is well over 1.5 x 10^12 tons per year. This material represents an extraordinary amount of stored chemical energy. Unfortunately, the form of this stored energy (solid cellulose) is not directly accessible to modern military systems. To utilize this energy requires the conversion of solid cellulose into a compatible liquid fuel. Since modern military systems operate predominately on hydrocarbon based fuels, what is needed is a clean, facile, energy efficient, cost effective, and "green" method to convert cellulose into hydrocarbon fuels. In this effort we are investigating the application of ionic liquids to the conversion of cellulose to hydrocarbons. To accomplish this we are evaluating the dissolution and subsequent catalytic depolymerization of cellulose to glucose and related simple sugars in a single ionic liquid. In addition, we are studying the catalytic reduction of glucose to hydrocarbons in an ionic liquid solvent, and, finally, we are looking toward combining the dissolution, depolymerization, and reduction processes into a single ionic based process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA521096
Entities
People
- Paul C. Trulove