The Effects of Reaction Atmosphere on Composition, Oxygen Distribution, and Heating Value of Products from the Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Corn Stalk

The hydrothermal liquefaction of corn stalk under different atmospheres (N-2, H-2, and CO) was performed in a high pressure autoclave (500 mL) at 380 degrees C for 30 min, and the compositions of the liquefaction products were characterized by elemental analysis. It was found that the order of conversion of biomass, yield, and H/C ratio of liquid product follows: CO > H-2 > N-2; 10-13% oxygen is preserved in the liquid product and most of the oxygen in biomass is removed as CO2 and H2O; 64-79% and 24-31% of the original biomass' heating value is preserved in the liquid product and solid organic matter.