A review on process conditions for optimum bio-oil yield in hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass

Hydrothermal liquefaction is a technique for obtaining clean biofuel from biomass in the presence of a solvent at moderate to high temperature (250-550 degrees C) and pressure (5-25 MPa). Hydrothermal decomposition of biomass leads to the formation of various compounds depending upon operating parameters. The role of processing conditions including final liquefaction temperature, residence times, rate of biomass heating, size of biomass particles, type of solvent media and hydrogen donor solvents is important for the bio-oil yield and quality of the product. The effect of these parameters on the yield and composition of the liquid products is reviewed in the paper. A brief description about the decomposition mechanism is also included to highlight the product types during hydrothermal liquefaction. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.