Fractional catalytic pyrolysis (FCP) is a novel process for the conversion of biomass components into desirable products without a need for secondary separation techniques. FCP is applicable to whole biomass feedstocks, biomass-to-ethanol residues and organosolv pulping residues. Potential products include adhesives, biohydrogen, cresols and phenols.
In this process, the carbohydrate fraction of the lignocellulose is selectively converted into C1-C4 hydrocarbons, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The hydrocarbons may then be steam reformed in a second reactor into hydrogen-rich gas. The lignin fraction of the biomass is converted in situ into monomeric phenols with commercial potential.
The reaction of the monomeric phenols with proteins to form adhesives has been investigated. The proteins used for the process derive from plant resources, such as soybean, as well as bacteria and yeast. Thus this is a unique process that uses biomass to produce energy as well as value-added products.
