Catalytic wood liquefaction using a hydrogen donor solvent

Abstract

Abstract Direct wood liquefaction of pine sawdust ( Pinus radiata ) in a hydrogen donor solvent (tetralin), was studied in a 0.5 L autoclave using Co‐Mo/γ‐Al 2 O 3 and Pt/γ‐Al 2 O 3 supported catalysts. Uncatalyzed as well as Raney Nickel catalyzed runs were also performed for comparison purposes. Reaction temperature was kept at 673 K and total system pressure at 10 MPa in all cases. Weight ratio of solvent to solid loaded was 2:1, the gas phase being either H 2 or N 2 . Independent runs were also performed with cellulose and lignin which are the main wood constituents. Reaction products were characterized by means of gas chromatography and solvent fractionation using specific solvents.