Deciphering Reaction Mechanisms of Biomass Upgrading over Zeolitic Materials via Advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy

Catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) can support the decarbonisation of fuel and chemical production cycles by opening pathways for the conversion of woody biomass into an upgraded bio-oil that can be further processed to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other biofuels. Currently the mechanisms governing this reaction remains elusive. Of particular interest is the process by which oxygen is removed from the oxygenated biomass and converted into aromatics over a ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst.
The research employs a combination of solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques, including high resolution magic-angle spinning (HR-MAS), multinuclear multidimensional experiments and the use of ultra-high field spectrometers to capture the intermediates formed during the catalytic upgrading of biomass models, aimed at providing unique insights into the reaction mechanism.
A purpose-built reactor has been developed to allow control over reaction conditions and to explore a number of factors such temperature, pressure, and flow rates. Additionally, various chemical model compounds are employed to represent different biomass components (lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose).
The understanding gained from this research will contribute to the development of more efficient zeolitic catalysts for biomass conversion, and aid the transition towards a more renewable energy landscape.