Lignin as a basis for advanced liquid bio jet-fuels

Energy-dense liquid fuels such as biofuels will likely remain the preferred energy source for long-distance transportation (aviation, truck, ship), but these biofuels should not compete with food production. There is therefore a need to broaden the range of liquid fuels towards novel advanced biofuels, which include processes that start from second generation (2G) non-food biomass feed-stock (such as woody crops, agricultural residues, and wastes). Most evident progress in advanced biofuel production is being made in the production of cellulosic bio-ethanol, but the fermentation efficiency with CO2 losses, its limited compatibility with current engines and its production complexity necessitate the development of alternatives. Recently, KU Leuven CSCE developed a novel biorefinery process to efficiently produce 2G sugars and a processable lignin ‘oil’ from woody biomass sources. While routes from the sugars towards biofuels exist, it should also be explored whether the lignin fraction could serve as a biofuel base in order to optimize the efficiency of lignocellulose conversion to biofuels. This thesis will therefore explore the lignin oil as a feedstock for advanced biofuels. Hereto, the lignin will be catalytically converted to increase its fuel properties and its use as a fuel will be evaluated in engines.