High yields of solid carbonaceous materials from biomass

Abstract

In this study, we have developed a method for the production of carbon materials from biomass with high yields. The method comprises two steps: the first step is the pyrolysis of biomass to bio-oil and biochar, and the second step involves the polymerisation of bio-oil and bio-char with the aid of a polymerisation agent at 170–280 °C. Furfural is the most effective polymerisation agent among the ones tested, including xylose, methanol, hydroxyl acetone, vanillin, guaiacol, furan and furfuryl alcohol, due to its high tendency towards polymerisation reactions. Furfural effectively promoted the cross-polymerisation of bio-oil and biochar, which “bonded” bio-oil and biochar together, forming cross-linking structures. Via the method developed herein, almost any biomass can be used as feedstock for making carbon materials with high yields, which provides an alternative outlet for the application of bio-oil and biochar, and opens a new research field for bio-based carbon materials.