Catalytic production of biomass derived liquid transportation fuel additives

This project involves multidisciplinary research team from catalysis, reaction engineering and process intensification from Queen's University Belfast. Herein, we aim to develop integrated processes for catalytic upgradation of waste biomass feedstocks into valuable fuel additives and bio-fuels. By using novel QUCaT catalyst technology, we will optimise the production of fuel-additives, such as 2-methyl furan (MF), 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran (MTHF), pentanediols (PDOs) and alkyl levulinates, using sugars and waste agricultural residues as feedstock. This project involves collaboration with two industrial partners based in Northern Ireland. The fuel-additives produced will be subsequently blended into bio-diesel produced by our industrial collaborator. The project team will study the combustion properties of the renewable bio-fuel additives. The proposed research could be a potential game-changer due to several advantages such as novel catalyst technology, better energy efficiency, increased selectivities and intensified processes using continuous flow technology. The outcomes of the project will lead to development of new biofuel blends with superior fuel properties, higher energy density and lower emissions. The production of biofuel blends not only have the potential for commercialization but will also impact UK bio-fuels implementation plan 2020 to meet the bio-energy targets for transportation fuels. This work fits with the theme of bioenergy and will benefit the entire sector based on the bio-refinery concept to achieve sustainability.