Novel Catalysts for Producing “Green” Intermediates for Petrochemical Synthesis from Wood Waste

Co- and Ni-based catalysts derived from aluminum–magnesium hydrotalcites were investigated for the hydrogenation of carbon-rich (up to 66 wt %) biochars prepared by the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass. The biochar was liquefied at 375°C using molecular H2 generated from tetralin and/or externally supplied molecular H2 in situ. In all cases, feedstock conversion exceeded 90%. A liquid product yield of 77 wt % was achieved with the Co-based catalyst.