Biomass feedstocks for next generation biofuels
There is interest globally in the development of fuels produced from biomass as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical derived fuels.
There are many potential biomass feedstocks and at Johnson Matthey we are exploring a number of different systems including:
- Waste cellulose from wood processing or agricultural residues
- Pyrolysis oil derived from a variety of sources
- Algae, a high yield, non-food source.
Each feedstock requires very different technologies for conversion into fuel and all align well with Johnson Matthey’s core skills.
In our work on waste cellulose we are applying our expertise in syngas purification and conversion whilst conversion of pyrolysis oil requires us to study processes analogous to those used in refineries such as purification, deoxygenation, isomerisation and cracking.
In our work on algae, which are highly efficient producers of triglycerides, Johnson Matthey is developing multifunctional catalysts capable of converting triglyceride components into hydrocarbon fuels. This patented technology creates further options for the utilisation of bioderived non-food sources for generating fuels.