Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108388
Zeineb Thiehmed , Rim Ismail , Takwa Omar , Ahmed Sodiq , Odi Fawwaz Alrebei , Tareq Al-Ansari , Abdulkarem I. Amhamed
The reliance on fossil fuels for energy production poses significant environmental challenges, necessitating the need for sustainable energy alternatives. Dimethyl ether (DME), with its non-toxic and biodegradable properties, has emerged as a promising substitute to conventional fuels, offering advantages over both liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and diesel fuel. This review highlights recent developments in DME synthesis pathways, focusing on direct and indirect CO2 hydrogenation routes. Particular attention is given to innovative bifunctional catalyst developments that integrate methanol synthesis and dehydration capabilities in a single system. The study systematically evaluates catalyst design challenges, specifically addressing metal-acid functionality optimization and long-term stability considerations. Through detailed examination of operating parameters—temperature, pressure, and space velocity—we identify critical DME process intensification opportunities for researchers in the field for further development.
{"title":"Catalysts and process conditions in DME production via CO2 hydrogenation: A review","authors":"Zeineb Thiehmed , Rim Ismail , Takwa Omar , Ahmed Sodiq , Odi Fawwaz Alrebei , Tareq Al-Ansari , Abdulkarem I. Amhamed","doi":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108388","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108388","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The reliance on fossil fuels for energy production poses significant environmental challenges, necessitating the need for sustainable energy alternatives. Dimethyl ether (DME), with its non-toxic and biodegradable properties, has emerged as a promising substitute to conventional fuels, offering advantages over both liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and diesel fuel. This review highlights recent developments in DME synthesis pathways, focusing on direct and indirect CO<sub>2</sub> hydrogenation routes. Particular attention is given to innovative bifunctional catalyst developments that integrate methanol synthesis and dehydration capabilities in a single system. The study systematically evaluates catalyst design challenges, specifically addressing metal-acid functionality optimization and long-term stability considerations. Through detailed examination of operating parameters—temperature, pressure, and space velocity—we identify critical DME process intensification opportunities for researchers in the field for further development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":326,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Processing Technology","volume":"281 ","pages":"Article 108388"},"PeriodicalIF":7.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dissociated methanol gas (DMG) is a hydrogen-rich mixture produced from methanol using engine exhaust heat. In this study, a diesel/DMG dual-fuel engine was developed to investigate the effects of DMG blending on performance under typical operating conditions and to explore the potential of exhaust-heat-driven methanol decomposition for improving efficiency and reducing fuel cost. DMG generated in a methanol decomposition reactor was introduced into the cylinder to co-combust with diesel. Results show that at a 20 % substitution ratio, the engine's thermal efficiency increased by (1.08 ± 0.08)% and fuel costs decreased by (10.47 ± 0.25)%. The improvement was statistically significant (p < 0.05). DMG addition led to higher peak cylinder pressure, pressure rise rate, and heat release rate, along with advanced combustion phasing, a shorter combustion duration, and slightly increased cycle-to-cycle variation. Regarding emissions, NOx increased with higher substitution ratios, while soot exhibited a slight rise. HC emissions first decreased and then increased marginally, whereas CO emissions showed a small increase. Blending DMG with diesel not only recycles exhaust heat but also modifies combustion characteristics, improving engine efficiency and lowering operational costs. This method presents a competitive and promising pathway for the efficient utilization of future clean energy.
{"title":"Performance study of diesel/hydrogen-rich gas engine based on methanol decomposing and waste heat recovery","authors":"Beidong Zhang , Yankun Jiang , Weihong Xu , Mingrui Chen , Yexin Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108387","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108387","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dissociated methanol gas (DMG) is a hydrogen-rich mixture produced from methanol using engine exhaust heat. In this study, a diesel/DMG dual-fuel engine was developed to investigate the effects of DMG blending on performance under typical operating conditions and to explore the potential of exhaust-heat-driven methanol decomposition for improving efficiency and reducing fuel cost. DMG generated in a methanol decomposition reactor was introduced into the cylinder to co-combust with diesel. Results show that at a 20 % substitution ratio, the engine's thermal efficiency increased by (1.08 ± 0.08)% and fuel costs decreased by (10.47 ± 0.25)%. The improvement was statistically significant (<em>p</em> < 0.05). DMG addition led to higher peak cylinder pressure, pressure rise rate, and heat release rate, along with advanced combustion phasing, a shorter combustion duration, and slightly increased cycle-to-cycle variation. Regarding emissions, NOx increased with higher substitution ratios, while soot exhibited a slight rise. HC emissions first decreased and then increased marginally, whereas CO emissions showed a small increase. Blending DMG with diesel not only recycles exhaust heat but also modifies combustion characteristics, improving engine efficiency and lowering operational costs. This method presents a competitive and promising pathway for the efficient utilization of future clean energy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":326,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Processing Technology","volume":"281 ","pages":"Article 108387"},"PeriodicalIF":7.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921334","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108389
Yuan Xie, Jianbo Zhao, Hui Wang, Shengtan Wang, Yan Zhang, Ruida Li
Against the backdrop of global energy transition and sustainable development, biodiesel has emerged as a promising renewable and clean energy source, with technological innovation and optimization in its production attracting significant attention. The utilization of non-edible oils (e.g., waste oils) as feedstocks and biomass-derived catalysts for large-scale biodiesel production represents an effective approach to reducing production costs while addressing food safety and environmental concerns. This review systematically examines recent advancements in two critical areas: the application of second-generation non-edible oils, particularly waste cooking oils, as biodiesel feedstocks, and the development of catalysts derived from renewable resources and mineral carriers. The proposed strategy of integrating novel catalysts with waste oil feedstocks not only achieves efficient resource utilization of waste materials and cost reduction but also mitigates environmental burdens. Future research should focus on in-depth investigation of the structure-activity relationships of biomass-derived catalysts to optimize their performance, as well as the deep integration of catalyst design with biomass waste utilization. These efforts will be pivotal in advancing the sustainable development of the biodiesel industry.
{"title":"Research progress on biodiesel production utilizing waste oils and biomass-derived catalysts","authors":"Yuan Xie, Jianbo Zhao, Hui Wang, Shengtan Wang, Yan Zhang, Ruida Li","doi":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108389","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108389","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Against the backdrop of global energy transition and sustainable development, biodiesel has emerged as a promising renewable and clean energy source, with technological innovation and optimization in its production attracting significant attention. The utilization of non-edible oils (e.g., waste oils) as feedstocks and biomass-derived catalysts for large-scale biodiesel production represents an effective approach to reducing production costs while addressing food safety and environmental concerns. This review systematically examines recent advancements in two critical areas: the application of second-generation non-edible oils, particularly waste cooking oils, as biodiesel feedstocks, and the development of catalysts derived from renewable resources and mineral carriers. The proposed strategy of integrating novel catalysts with waste oil feedstocks not only achieves efficient resource utilization of waste materials and cost reduction but also mitigates environmental burdens. Future research should focus on in-depth investigation of the structure-activity relationships of biomass-derived catalysts to optimize their performance, as well as the deep integration of catalyst design with biomass waste utilization. These efforts will be pivotal in advancing the sustainable development of the biodiesel industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":326,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Processing Technology","volume":"281 ","pages":"Article 108389"},"PeriodicalIF":7.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108379
Philipp Mohn , Inge Saanum , Øyvind Langørgen , Roger Khalil , Jochen Ströhle , Bernd Epple
To reduce emissions from waste management, chemical looping combustion can be applied to waste-to-energy processes for carbon capture. This study presents experimental results testing chemical looping combustion of waste-derived fuel at pilot-scale (150 kWth) using ilmenite as oxygen carrier. For comparison, tests with biomass were conducted under similar conditions. Six operating periods were analyzed focusing on hydrodynamics, gas-phase composition including heavier hydrocarbons such as benzene, carbon distribution, and energy recovery. Additionally, the performance indicators oxygen demand and carbon capture efficiency are determined. The results demonstrate the technical feasibility of chemical looping combustion with waste as fuel. Stable operation was achieved in all cases, including a modified configuration for simplified scale-up without a secondary circulation pathway coupling the bottom of both reactors. While reactor hydrodynamics remained consistent, disabling the bottom-loop led to lower temperatures and significantly reduced fuel conversion. Compared to biomass, waste yielded less residual carbon monoxide and hydrogen and higher concentrations of heavier hydrocarbons like ethylene and benzene in the fuel reactor off-gas, particularly at lower temperatures. Carbon slip was similar for both fuels with capture efficiencies ranging from 92 % to 96 %. Oxygen demands were determined above 30 % with slightly lower values observed for waste compared to biomass. Up to 60 % of the fuel chemical energy remained in combustible off-gas species, indicating substantial incomplete conversion but also potential for gasification-oriented applications. This highlights the need for further optimization of reactor design, oxygen carrier materials, and operating conditions before large-scale deployment in future waste management systems.
{"title":"Chemical looping combustion of waste-derived fuel at 150 kW pilot-scale: Fuel conversion behavior and CO2 capture","authors":"Philipp Mohn , Inge Saanum , Øyvind Langørgen , Roger Khalil , Jochen Ströhle , Bernd Epple","doi":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108379","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108379","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To reduce emissions from waste management, chemical looping combustion can be applied to waste-to-energy processes for carbon capture. This study presents experimental results testing chemical looping combustion of waste-derived fuel at pilot-scale (150 kW<sub>th</sub>) using ilmenite as oxygen carrier. For comparison, tests with biomass were conducted under similar conditions. Six operating periods were analyzed focusing on hydrodynamics, gas-phase composition including heavier hydrocarbons such as benzene, carbon distribution, and energy recovery. Additionally, the performance indicators oxygen demand and carbon capture efficiency are determined. The results demonstrate the technical feasibility of chemical looping combustion with waste as fuel. Stable operation was achieved in all cases, including a modified configuration for simplified scale-up without a secondary circulation pathway coupling the bottom of both reactors. While reactor hydrodynamics remained consistent, disabling the bottom-loop led to lower temperatures and significantly reduced fuel conversion. Compared to biomass, waste yielded less residual carbon monoxide and hydrogen and higher concentrations of heavier hydrocarbons like ethylene and benzene in the fuel reactor off-gas, particularly at lower temperatures. Carbon slip was similar for both fuels with capture efficiencies ranging from 92 % to 96 %. Oxygen demands were determined above 30 % with slightly lower values observed for waste compared to biomass. Up to 60 % of the fuel chemical energy remained in combustible off-gas species, indicating substantial incomplete conversion but also potential for gasification-oriented applications. This highlights the need for further optimization of reactor design, oxygen carrier materials, and operating conditions before large-scale deployment in future waste management systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":326,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Processing Technology","volume":"281 ","pages":"Article 108379"},"PeriodicalIF":7.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108392
Armando Vitale , Emanuele Di Bisceglie , Juan Diego Palacios Aparicio , Giovanni Palma , Umberto Pasqual Laverdura , Alessandro Antonio Papa
This study investigates the GICO (Gasification Integrated with CO₂ Capture and Conversion) concept, an innovative biogenic waste treatment scheme combining hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), sorption-enhanced gasification (SEG), hot gas cleaning (HGC), plasma-assisted CO₂ conversion, methanol synthesis, and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Experimental campaigns were carried out on winery residues as representative wet biomass. HTC produced hydrochar with improved fuel properties (C/O ratio increased to 61 %) that was then processed in SEG tests, yielding hydrogen-rich syngas (75.8 vol%) with a cold gas efficiency (CGE) of 75.5 %. These data were used to calibrate an Aspen Plus model of a pilot-scale plant treating 550 kg/h of wet biomass. The model successfully reproduced experimental results enabling a methanol synthesis of 66 kg/h (CGE 42.4 %). The SOFC subsystem generated 259 kWh of electricity and 215 kWh of recoverable heat, expanding the product distribution. Overall, the process efficiency reached 32.4 % limited by the process energy demand, mainly due to the plasma reactor, highlighting the potential of a reduced-plasma-feed configuration achieving 39.7 % efficiency. Preliminary heat recovery strategies reduced external requirements by 88.5 % and increased the overall efficiency to 38.9 %, and the carbon utilization at 84.5 % highlighting the crucial role of thermal integration in optimizing the GICO process.
本研究探讨了GICO （Gasification Integrated with CO₂Capture and Conversion）概念，这是一种结合水热碳化（HTC）、吸附强化气化（SEG）、热气体净化（HGC）、等离子辅助CO₂转化、甲醇合成和固体氧化物燃料电池（SOFC）的创新生物源废物处理方案。以酒窖残渣为代表的湿生物质为研究对象进行了试验。HTC生产的氢炭具有改进的燃料性能（C/O比增加到61%），然后在SEG试验中进行处理，产生富氢合成气（75.8 vol%），冷气效率（CGE）为75.5%。这些数据被用来校准一个Aspen Plus模型，该模型是一个中试规模的植物，处理550 kg/h的湿生物质。该模型成功地再现了实验结果，使甲醇合成达到66 kg/h （CGE 42.4%）。SOFC子系统产生了259千瓦时的电力和215千瓦时的可回收热，扩大了产品分布。总体而言，工艺效率达到32.4%，主要受过程能量需求的限制，主要是由于等离子体反应器，突出了减少等离子体供给配置的潜力，达到39.7%的效率。初步的热回收策略减少了88.5%的外部需求，将整体效率提高到38.9%，碳利用率达到84.5%，突出了热集成在优化GICO过程中的关键作用。
{"title":"Biogenic waste thermochemical valorization: Integration of experimental results and process modelling within the GICO project","authors":"Armando Vitale , Emanuele Di Bisceglie , Juan Diego Palacios Aparicio , Giovanni Palma , Umberto Pasqual Laverdura , Alessandro Antonio Papa","doi":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108392","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108392","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the GICO (Gasification Integrated with CO₂ Capture and Conversion) concept, an innovative biogenic waste treatment scheme combining hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), sorption-enhanced gasification (SEG), hot gas cleaning (HGC), plasma-assisted CO₂ conversion, methanol synthesis, and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Experimental campaigns were carried out on winery residues as representative wet biomass. HTC produced hydrochar with improved fuel properties (C/O ratio increased to 61 %) that was then processed in SEG tests, yielding hydrogen-rich syngas (75.8 vol%) with a cold gas efficiency (CGE) of 75.5 %. These data were used to calibrate an Aspen Plus model of a pilot-scale plant treating 550 kg/h of wet biomass. The model successfully reproduced experimental results enabling a methanol synthesis of 66 kg/h (CGE 42.4 %). The SOFC subsystem generated 259 kWh of electricity and 215 kWh of recoverable heat, expanding the product distribution. Overall, the process efficiency reached 32.4 % limited by the process energy demand, mainly due to the plasma reactor, highlighting the potential of a reduced-plasma-feed configuration achieving 39.7 % efficiency. Preliminary heat recovery strategies reduced external requirements by 88.5 % and increased the overall efficiency to 38.9 %, and the carbon utilization at 84.5 % highlighting the crucial role of thermal integration in optimizing the GICO process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":326,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Processing Technology","volume":"281 ","pages":"Article 108392"},"PeriodicalIF":7.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108386
Sabrina B. Karakache, Maxime Lafond, Nicolas Abatzoglou, Inès E. Achouri
In this study, hydroxyapatite (HAp) is investigated as a catalyst support for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) using iron as the active metal. The reaction is performed in a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR), providing superior temperature control and enhanced gas–solid interactions. The Fe/HAp catalyst is benchmarked against a commercial ferric oxide catalyst (Nanocat®), and the effects of the CO/H2 feed ratio, temperature, and gas space velocity (SV) on the catalytic performance are evaluated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals strong Fe–HAp interactions, leading to iron phosphide (Fe2P) formation, which enhances iron dispersion and mitigates sintering. Scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDS) confirms a uniform iron distribution with an average particle size of 5 nm. Performance tests show that Fe/HAp maintains stable CO conversion (40 %) at a high SV (12,050 mL·g−1·h−1, 250 °C), whereas Nanocat® deactivates rapidly, mainly due to severe sintering. Both catalysts exhibit high C5+ hydrocarbon selectivity (>90 %); Fe/HAp favors gasoline (32 %), while Nanocat® favors diesel (33 %) at 250 °C. Notably, Fe/HAp promotes olefin selectivity (50 %) at 220 °C and an H2/CO ratio of 1, whereas increasing the H2/CO ratio to 2 enhances oxygenate formation (35 %). These findings highlight HAp as a promising support for modifying Fischer–Tropsch selectivity while ensuring catalyst stability.
{"title":"Fischer–tropsch synthesis in a three-phase slurry reactor: Fe/HAp versus commercial Nanocat® for liquid hydrocarbon production","authors":"Sabrina B. Karakache, Maxime Lafond, Nicolas Abatzoglou, Inès E. Achouri","doi":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108386","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108386","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, hydroxyapatite (HAp) is investigated as a catalyst support for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) using iron as the active metal. The reaction is performed in a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR), providing superior temperature control and enhanced gas–solid interactions. The Fe/HAp catalyst is benchmarked against a commercial ferric oxide catalyst (Nanocat®), and the effects of the CO/H<sub>2</sub> feed ratio, temperature, and gas space velocity (SV) on the catalytic performance are evaluated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals strong Fe–HAp interactions, leading to iron phosphide (Fe<sub>2</sub>P) formation, which enhances iron dispersion and mitigates sintering. Scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDS) confirms a uniform iron distribution with an average particle size of 5 nm. Performance tests show that Fe/HAp maintains stable CO conversion (40 %) at a high SV (12,050 mL·g<sup>−1</sup>·h<sup>−1</sup>, 250 °C), whereas Nanocat® deactivates rapidly, mainly due to severe sintering. Both catalysts exhibit high C<sub>5+</sub> hydrocarbon selectivity (>90 %); Fe/HAp favors gasoline (32 %), while Nanocat® favors diesel (33 %) at 250 °C. Notably, Fe/HAp promotes olefin selectivity (50 %) at 220 °C and an H<sub>2</sub>/CO ratio of 1, whereas increasing the H<sub>2</sub>/CO ratio to 2 enhances oxygenate formation (35 %). These findings highlight HAp as a promising support for modifying Fischer–Tropsch selectivity while ensuring catalyst stability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":326,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Processing Technology","volume":"281 ","pages":"Article 108386"},"PeriodicalIF":7.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108377
Abdullah Sadeq , Marian Schmitt , Shen Wang , Sophia Rothberg , Swantje Pietsch-Braune , Laihong Shen , Stefan Heinrich
Spruce wood pellets were produced with flat dies of different press-channel diameter-to-length ratios (1:3, 1:4, 1:5) and pyrolyzed at 900 °C for 4 min in a fluidized bed (FLB) and, for comparison, in a control setup (CS) where hot gas flowed around the pellets. The study includes (a) implementing a μCT radial porosity analysis to relate pellet-char structure to mechanical stability across distinct gas–solid contacting modes; (b) developing a μCT-based sand correction to separate entrained quartz from pellet char, reconciling image- and density-derived porosities; and (c) providing μCT evidence of fines enrichment toward the pellet core prior to pyrolysis, consistent with central-cavity formation under FLB conditions. FLB-pyrolysis yielded degraded pellet chars with pine cone-like morphology and large central cavities; μCT-resolved porosity increased by 6–12× relative to the wood pellets, depending on initial density. CS-pyrolysis produced chars that retained cylindrical shape and radial porosity distributions similar to untreated pellets, albeit at higher absolute porosity. The sand-mass correction indicated small fractions that minimally affected partial porosity but biased density-derived values. Across both conditions, extensive carbonization and loss of inter-particle bonding led to strength ranked 1:5 > 1:4 > 1:3, mirroring initial pellet quality.
{"title":"μCT based quantification of pellet char morphology: Effects of biomass pelletization and fluidized bed pyrolysis","authors":"Abdullah Sadeq , Marian Schmitt , Shen Wang , Sophia Rothberg , Swantje Pietsch-Braune , Laihong Shen , Stefan Heinrich","doi":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108377","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108377","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Spruce wood pellets were produced with flat dies of different press-channel diameter-to-length ratios (1:3, 1:4, 1:5) and pyrolyzed at 900 °C for 4 min in a fluidized bed (FLB) and, for comparison, in a control setup (CS) where hot gas flowed around the pellets. The study includes (a) implementing a μCT radial porosity analysis to relate pellet-char structure to mechanical stability across distinct gas–solid contacting modes; (b) developing a μCT-based sand correction to separate entrained quartz from pellet char, reconciling image- and density-derived porosities; and (c) providing μCT evidence of fines enrichment toward the pellet core prior to pyrolysis, consistent with central-cavity formation under FLB conditions. FLB-pyrolysis yielded degraded pellet chars with pine cone-like morphology and large central cavities; μCT-resolved porosity increased by 6–12× relative to the wood pellets, depending on initial density. CS-pyrolysis produced chars that retained cylindrical shape and radial porosity distributions similar to untreated pellets, albeit at higher absolute porosity. The sand-mass correction indicated small fractions that minimally affected partial porosity but biased density-derived values. Across both conditions, extensive carbonization and loss of inter-particle bonding led to strength ranked 1:5 > 1:4 > 1:3, mirroring initial pellet quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":326,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Processing Technology","volume":"281 ","pages":"Article 108377"},"PeriodicalIF":7.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108382
Jiuling Yang , Lei Yang , Jiepei Xu , Jie Zhang , Shiqi Wu , Haoyang Qin
Smoldering is categorized into forward and reverse modes, propagating with or against the wind orientation. The inherent structural heterogeneity and complex smoldering dynamics of forest residues have left their bioenergy potential underexplored under contrasting airflows. This study combined multi-scale characterization (μ-CT, SEM, Micro-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and coupled TG-FTIR-MS) to reveal the distinct physicochemical properties of pine needles (PN) and its smolder-derived chars. The results revealed that PN features a multiscale pore structure across its inter- and intra-particle regions, as characterized by μ-CT and SEM, respectively. The char produced by forward smoldering (FSC) exhibited denser and thicker-walled pores (5–20 μm), whereas the char produced by reverse smoldering (RSC) retained loose and thinner-walled pores (>20 μm). The thermal stability of RSC was reduced due to its less-ordered carbon structure, as evidenced by the Micro-FTIR and Raman analysis. At 200–400 °C, RSC exhibited higher activation energy than FSC (135.98 vs. 92.10 kJ/mol), indicating its greater resistance to initial oxidation. However, RSC's activation energy became lower (101.89 vs. 113.66 kJ/mol) at 400–500 °C, reflecting the enhanced reactivity of the secondary char oxidation. These findings pave the way for tailoring smoldering conditions (e.g., wind orientation and temperature) to convert forest residues into chars with desired reactivity for bioenergy applications.
{"title":"Contrasting morphology and oxidation kinetics in forward and reverse smolder-derived chars from pine needles","authors":"Jiuling Yang , Lei Yang , Jiepei Xu , Jie Zhang , Shiqi Wu , Haoyang Qin","doi":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108382","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108382","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Smoldering is categorized into forward and reverse modes, propagating with or against the wind orientation. The inherent structural heterogeneity and complex smoldering dynamics of forest residues have left their bioenergy potential underexplored under contrasting airflows. This study combined multi-scale characterization (<em>μ</em>-CT, SEM, Micro-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and coupled TG-FTIR-MS) to reveal the distinct physicochemical properties of pine needles (PN) and its smolder-derived chars. The results revealed that PN features a multiscale pore structure across its inter- and intra-particle regions, as characterized by <em>μ</em>-CT and SEM, respectively. The char produced by forward smoldering (FSC) exhibited denser and thicker-walled pores (5–20 μm), whereas the char produced by reverse smoldering (RSC) retained loose and thinner-walled pores (>20 μm). The thermal stability of RSC was reduced due to its less-ordered carbon structure, as evidenced by the Micro-FTIR and Raman analysis. At 200–400 °C, RSC exhibited higher activation energy than FSC (135.98 vs. 92.10 kJ/mol), indicating its greater resistance to initial oxidation. However, RSC's activation energy became lower (101.89 vs. 113.66 kJ/mol) at 400–500 °C, reflecting the enhanced reactivity of the secondary char oxidation. These findings pave the way for tailoring smoldering conditions (e.g., wind orientation and temperature) to convert forest residues into chars with desired reactivity for bioenergy applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":326,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Processing Technology","volume":"281 ","pages":"Article 108382"},"PeriodicalIF":7.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145788244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-18DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108385
Lijuan Zhu , Can Zhu , Biyun Yu , Minghui Fan , Quanxin Li
The directed synthesis of bio-based phenol using renewable bio-oil resources has important scientific significance and potential application value in promoting the efficient utilization of renewable biomass resources and the development of high-value bio-based chemicals. This work reveals the selective synthesis of bio-based phenol by regulating the valence state of copper through the reduction of copper-based magnetic catalysts. This new controllable conversion process is achieved through the coupling of selective catalytic pyrolysis of bio-oil to prepare benzene intermediates and subsequent catalytic hydroxylation process. A comprehensive investigation was conducted on the catalytic performance, material characteristics, effects of reaction parameters, as well as the stability and reusability of the catalysts. The combination of zinc oxide modified zeolite catalyst and reduced magnetic catalyst significantly improved the yield of phenol in the catalytic conversion of bio-oil. Under optimized reaction conditions (70 °C, 3 h), the CuxOy@Fe3O4–1.0 catalyst achieved the highest phenol selectivity(91.8 %) and yield(35.9 %). Meanwhile, the catalyst exhibits excellent magnetic separation and recovery performance during the catalytic hydroxylation process.
{"title":"Directional upgrading of biomass pyrolysis oil to bio-phenol via copper valence state regulation in CuxOy@Fe3O4–1.0 catalyst","authors":"Lijuan Zhu , Can Zhu , Biyun Yu , Minghui Fan , Quanxin Li","doi":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108385","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108385","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The directed synthesis of bio-based phenol using renewable bio-oil resources has important scientific significance and potential application value in promoting the efficient utilization of renewable biomass resources and the development of high-value bio-based chemicals. This work reveals the selective synthesis of bio-based phenol by regulating the valence state of copper through the reduction of copper-based magnetic catalysts. This new controllable conversion process is achieved through the coupling of selective catalytic pyrolysis of bio-oil to prepare benzene intermediates and subsequent catalytic hydroxylation process. A comprehensive investigation was conducted on the catalytic performance, material characteristics, effects of reaction parameters, as well as the stability and reusability of the catalysts. The combination of zinc oxide modified zeolite catalyst and reduced magnetic catalyst significantly improved the yield of phenol in the catalytic conversion of bio-oil. Under optimized reaction conditions (70 °C, 3 h), the Cu<sub>x</sub>O<sub>y</sub>@Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>–1.0 catalyst achieved the highest phenol selectivity(91.8 %) and yield(35.9 %). Meanwhile, the catalyst exhibits excellent magnetic separation and recovery performance during the catalytic hydroxylation process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":326,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Processing Technology","volume":"281 ","pages":"Article 108385"},"PeriodicalIF":7.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145788246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108384
Niklas Bergvall , Ole Reinsdorf , Olov G.W. Öhrman , Linda Sandström
In this work, fast pyrolysis bio-oil (FPBO) has been hydroprocessed in a continuous pilot scale slurry process utilizing unsupported molybdenum sulfide catalyst with the aim of producing a partially upgraded oil product suitable for processing in conventional fixed bed hydrotreaters into final hydrocarbons. Screening of process parameters in the slurry-process revealed that changes in reaction pressure (70–140 bar) had minimal effect on the amount of H2 consumed, while increases in temperature (350–390 °C) or catalyst loading (0.25–0.5 wt% Mo) resulted in increased H2-consumption. A higher level of H2-consumption was, in turn, strongly linked to improved properties, but reduced yield, of the oil product. Recirculation of used slurry catalyst back to the process was also demonstrated in continuous operation of the pilot plant for over 60 h and ten reactor passes of the catalyst. Although an initial decrease in the catalytic activity was observed, the catalyst quickly attained a stable and still relatively high performance. The results show that, using the slurry-process, it is possible to obtain a partially upgraded FPBO with significantly improved properties, such as low coke formation tendencies and minimal levels of inorganics.
{"title":"Pretreatment of fast pyrolysis bio-oil by slurry hydroprocessing","authors":"Niklas Bergvall , Ole Reinsdorf , Olov G.W. Öhrman , Linda Sandström","doi":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108384","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108384","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this work, fast pyrolysis bio-oil (FPBO) has been hydroprocessed in a continuous pilot scale slurry process utilizing unsupported molybdenum sulfide catalyst with the aim of producing a partially upgraded oil product suitable for processing in conventional fixed bed hydrotreaters into final hydrocarbons. Screening of process parameters in the slurry-process revealed that changes in reaction pressure (70–140 bar) had minimal effect on the amount of H<sub>2</sub> consumed, while increases in temperature (350–390 °C) or catalyst loading (0.25–0.5 wt% Mo) resulted in increased H<sub>2</sub>-consumption. A higher level of H<sub>2</sub>-consumption was, in turn, strongly linked to improved properties, but reduced yield, of the oil product. Recirculation of used slurry catalyst back to the process was also demonstrated in continuous operation of the pilot plant for over 60 h and ten reactor passes of the catalyst. Although an initial decrease in the catalytic activity was observed, the catalyst quickly attained a stable and still relatively high performance. The results show that, using the slurry-process, it is possible to obtain a partially upgraded FPBO with significantly improved properties, such as low coke formation tendencies and minimal levels of inorganics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":326,"journal":{"name":"Fuel Processing Technology","volume":"281 ","pages":"Article 108384"},"PeriodicalIF":7.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145788245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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