Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Investigation on the Liquefaction Performances, Mechanism and Kinetics of Wheat Straw in Different Solvents

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Waste and Biomass Valorization Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The effects of three alcoholic solvents, including ethylene glycol (EG), glycerol (G) and polyethylene glycol/glycerol (PEG400/G), on the performances, mechanism and kinetics of wheat straw liquefaction with sulphuric acid as catalyst to produce bio-polyols were systematically studied. The results show that the liquefaction solvents largely influenced on the composition of liquefaction products and liquefaction residue content. The wheat straw shows higher liquefaction efficiency in the PEG400/G than EG and G solvents in which the obtained bio-polyols shows lower change in hydroxyl number compared to the liquefaction solvent. The liquefaction products is mainly composed of liquefaction solvents and derivatives, followed by carbonyl compounds with relative content of 4.4–17.5 area%. Whether liquefaction or pyrolysis, the hemicellulose in wheat straw is the easiest degradation component, and then is acid soluble lignin and cellulose. Liquefaction mechanism shows that polyhydric alcohol can be combined with cellulose and hemicellulose degradations (C-OH) or lignin degradations (L-OH) to increase the molecule weight of bio-polyols. In addition, there are three stages during biomass liquefaction, including biomass dehydration, volatilization of alcoholic solvents and biomass alcoholysis. The liquefaction kinetics show that the alcoholysis process of wheat straw could be divided into rapid liquefaction due to the degradation of hemicellulose, amorphous phase in the cellulose and acid-soluble lignin and slow liquefaction attributed to the decomposition of the crystalline phase in cellulose. The liquefaction is also an endothermic reaction process.

Graphical Abstract

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

Research data available on reasonable request from the corresponding authors.

References

  1. Ashokkumar, V., Venkatkarthick, R., Jayashree, S., Chuetor, S., Dharmaraj, S., Kumar, G., Chen, W.H., Ngamcharussrivichai, C.: Recent advances in lignocellulosic biomass for biofuels and value-added bioproducts—a critical review. Bioresour. Technol. 344, 126195 (2022)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Jha, S., Okolie, J.A., Nanda, S., Dalai, A.K.: A review of biomass resources and thermochemical conversion technologies. Chem. Eng. Technol. 45, 791–799 (2022)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Reshmy, R., Philip, E., Madhavan, A., Sirohi, R., Pugazhendhi, A., Binod, P., Kumar Awasthi, M., Vivek, N., Kumar, V., Sindhu, R.: Lignocellulose in future biorefineries: strategies for cost-effective production of biomaterials and bioenergy. Bioresour. Technol. 344, 126241 (2022)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Zhang, K., Pei, Z., Wang, D.: Organic solvent pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass for biofuels and biochemicals: a review. Bioresour. Technol. 199, 21–33 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Hu, S., Luo, X., Li, Y.: Polyols and polyurethanes from the liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass. ChemSusChem 7, 66–72 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Ha Tran, M., Lee, E.: Development and optimization of solvothermal liquefaction of marine macroalgae Saccharina japonica biomass for biopolyol and biopolyurethane production. J. Ind. Eng. Chem. 81, 167–177 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Jo, Y.J., Ly, H.V., Kim, J., Kim, S.-S., Lee, E.: Preparation of biopolyol by liquefaction of palm kernel cake using PEG#400 blended glycerol. J. Ind. Eng. Chem. 29, 304–313 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Zhang, H., Yang, H., Guo, H., Huang, C., Xiong, L., Chen, X.: Kinetic study on the liquefaction of wood and its three cell wall component in polyhydric alcohols. Appl. Energ. 113, 1596–1600 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Zhang, J.M., Hori, N., Takemura, A.: Optimization of agricultural wastes liquefaction process and preparing bio-based polyurethane foams by the obtained polyols. Ind. Crops Prod. 138, 111455 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Hu, S., Wan, C., Li, Y.: Production and characterization of biopolyols and polyurethane foams from crude glycerol based liquefaction of soybean straw. Bioresour. Technol. 103, 227–233 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Zhang, J., Hori, N., Takemura, A.: Thermal and time regularities during oilseed rape straw liquefaction process to produce bio-polyol. J. Clean. Prod. 277, 124015 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Chang, C., Liu, L., Li, P., Xu, G., Xu, C.: Preparation of flame retardant polyurethane foam from crude glycerol based liquefaction of wheat straw. Ind. Crops Prod. 160, 113098 (2021)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Zhao, T., Zhang, Y., Zhao, G., Chen, X., Han, L., Xiao, W.: Impact of biomass feedstock variability on acid-catalyzed alcoholysis performance. Fuel Process. Technol. 180, 14–22 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Fan, S.-P., Zakaria, S., Chia, C.-H., Jamaluddin, F., Nabihah, S., Liew, T.-K., Pua, F.-L.: Comparative studies of products obtained from solvolysis liquefaction of oil palm empty fruit bunch fibres using different solvents. Bioresour. Technol. 102, 3521–3526 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Zou, X., Qin, T., Huang, L., Zhang, X., Yang, Z., Wang, Y.: Mechanisms and main regularities of biomass liquefaction with alcoholic solvents. Energy Fuel 23, 5213–5218 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Zou, X., Qin, T., Wang, Y., Huang, L.: Mechanisms and product specialties of the alcoholysis processes of poplar components. Energy Fuel 25, 3786–3792 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Li, H., Mahmood, N., Ma, Z., Zhu, M., Wang, J., Zheng, J., Yuan, Z., Wei, Q., Xu, C.: Preparation and characterization of bio-polyol and bio-based flexible polyurethane foams from fast pyrolysis of wheat straw. Ind. Crops Prod. 103, 64–72 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Chen, F., Lu, Z.: Liquefaction of wheat straw and preparation of rigid polyurethane foam from the liquefaction products. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 111, 508–516 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Zhang, H., Li, Q., Peng, F., Guo, H., Xiong, L., Chen, X.: Kinetic study on the liquefaction of bagasse in polyhydric alcohols based on the cell wall component of the liquefied residue. Iran. Polym. J. 29, 535–541 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Zhang, H., Ding, F., Luo, C., Xiong, L., Chen, X.: Liquefaction and characterization of acid hydrolysis residue of corncob in polyhydric alcohols. Ind. Crops Prod. 39, 47–51 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Sluiter, A., Hames, B., Ruiz, R., Scarlata, C., Sluiter, J., Templeton, D., Crocker, D.: Determination of structural carbohydrates and lignin in biomass. Lab. Anal. Proced. 1617, 1–16 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  22. Li, H., Chen, X., Xiong, L., Zhang, L., Chen, X., Wang, C., Huang, C., Chen, X.: Production, separation, and characterization of high-purity xylobiose from enzymatic hydrolysis of alkaline oxidation pretreated sugarcane bagasse. Bioresour. Technol. 299, 122625 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Meng, F., Zhang, X., Yu, W., Zhang, Y.: Kinetic analysis of cellulose extraction from banana pseudo-stem by liquefaction in polyhydric alcohols. Ind. Crops Prod. 137, 377–385 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Awalludin, M.F., Sulaiman, O., Hashim, R., Yhaya, M.F.: Assessment of oil palm trunk liquefaction in glycerol and ethylene glycol by 24–1 fractional factorial design. J. Jpn. Inst. Energy 96, 319–325 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Guo, H., Zhang, H., Chen, X., Zhang, L., Huang, C., Li, H., Peng, F., Huang, Q., Xiong, L., Ouyang, X., Chen, X., Qiu, X.: Catalytic upgrading of biopolyols derived from liquefaction of wheat straw over a high-performance and stable supported amorphous alloy catalyst. Energy Convers. Manage. 156, 130–139 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Perkins, G., Batalha, N., Kumar, A., Bhaskar, T., Konarova, M.: Recent advances in liquefaction technologies for production of liquid hydrocarbon fuels from biomass and carbonaceous wastes. Renew. Sust. Energ. Rev. 115, 109400 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Zhang, T., Zhou, Y., Liu, D., Petrus, L.: Qualitative analysis of products formed during the acid catalyzed liquefaction of bagasse in ethylene glycol. Bioresour. Technol. 98, 1454–1459 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Xu, Y.H., Li, M.F.: Hydrothermal liquefaction of lignocellulose for value-added products: mechanism, parameter and production application. Bioresour. Technol. 342, 126035 (2021)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Barnés, M.C., de Visser, M.M., van Rossum, G., Kersten, S.R.A., Lange, J.P.: Liquefaction of wood and its model components. J. Anal. Appl. Pyrolysis 125, 136–143 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Zhang, T., Zhou, Y., Zhang, J., Liu, D.: Mild liquefaction behavior of lignocellulosic material components. J. Tsinghua Univ. (Sci. Technol.) 46, 2011–2014 (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  31. Skodras, G., Grammelis, P., Basinas, P., Kakaras, E., Sakellaropoulos, G.: Pyrolysis and combustion characteristics of biomass and waste-derived feedstock. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 45, 3791–3799 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Chen, X., Li, H., Yao, S., Wang, C., Chen, X., Guo, H., Xiong, L., Zhang, H., Chen, X.: The alleviation of lignin inhibition on enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose by changing its ultrastructure. Ind. Crops Prod. 185, 115108 (2022)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Yang, Q., Shi, J., Lin, L., Zhuang, J., Pang, C., Xie, T., Liu, Y.: Structural characterization of lignin in the process of cooking of cornstalk with solid alkali and active oxygen. J. Agric. Food Chem. 60, 4656–4661 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Shao, Q., Li, H.-Q., Huang, C.-P., Xu, J.: Biopolyol preparation from liquefaction of grape seeds. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 133, 43835 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Wang, C., Zhang, H.R., Guo, H.J., Shi, S.L., Xiong, L., Chen, X.D.: Real-time monitoring of hemicellulose liquefaction in ethylene glycol. Energy Sources A 38, 2517–2523 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Kurimoto, Y., Doi, S., Tamura, Y.: Species effects on wood-liquefaction in polyhydric alcohols. Holzforschung 53, 617–622 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Yan, Y., Hu, M., Wang, Z.: Kinetic study on the liquefaction of cornstalk in polyhydric alcohols. Ind. Crop. Prod. 32, 349–352 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully thank the financial supports of the Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou (202201010698), the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (2022A1515012570, 2020A1515010516), the Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China (51876207, 52006229), the Project of Jiangsu Province Science and Technology (BE2020394) and the Project of Key Laboratory Foundation of Renewable Energy, Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) (E1290104).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 2 Nengyuan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510640, People’s Republic of China

    Haijun Guo, Ke Bian, Hairong Zhang, Hailong Li, Xuefang Chen, Can Wang, Shimiao Yao, Lian Xiong & Xinde Chen

  2. CAS Key Laboratory of Renewable Energy, Guangzhou, 510640, People’s Republic of China

    Haijun Guo, Ke Bian, Hairong Zhang, Hailong Li, Xuefang Chen, Can Wang, Shimiao Yao, Lian Xiong & Xinde Chen

  3. Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New and Renewable Energy Research and Development, Guangzhou, 510640, People’s Republic of China

    Haijun Guo, Ke Bian, Hairong Zhang, Hailong Li, Xuefang Chen, Can Wang, Shimiao Yao, Lian Xiong & Xinde Chen

  4. R&D Center of Xuyi Attapulgite Energy and Environmental Materials, Xuyi, 211700, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China

    Haijun Guo, Ke Bian, Hairong Zhang, Hailong Li, Xuefang Chen, Can Wang, Shimiao Yao, Lian Xiong & Xinde Chen

  5. Jiangsu Senmao Energy Developments Co. Ltd, Xuyi, 211700, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China

    Haijun Guo & Haiyan Cai

  6. Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, 110142, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China

    Ke Bian

Authors
  1. Haijun Guo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ke Bian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Haiyan Cai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Hairong Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Hailong Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Xuefang Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Can Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Shimiao Yao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Lian Xiong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Xinde Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

HG: Investigation, Roles/Writing—original draft, Funding acquisition. KB: Investigation. HC: Investigation, Validation. HZ: Project administration, Writing—review & editing, Funding acquisition. HL: Investigation, Validation. XC: Investigation, Funding acquisition. CW: Investigation. SY: Formal analysis, Investigation, Funding acquisition. LX: Funding acquisition. XC: Project administration, Supervision.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xinde Chen.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary Information

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary material 1 (DOCX 769.3 kb)

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Guo, H., Bian, K., Cai, H. et al. Investigation on the Liquefaction Performances, Mechanism and Kinetics of Wheat Straw in Different Solvents. Waste Biomass Valor 15, 1519–1531 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-023-02252-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-023-02252-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation