LIQUEFACTION OF CELLULOSE-CONTAINING BIOMASS

摘要

PURPOSE:To promote a liquefaction and improve a liquefaction yield, by adding a phenolic compound to an aqueous medium in liquefying a cellulose-containing biomass to an oily matter using an alkaline (earth) metal compound as a catalyst. CONSTITUTION:A cellulose-containing biomass such as a wood flour or used paper is added to an aqueous medium containing a phenolic compound (e.g.: phenol). The content of the phenolic compound is preferably about 5-200pts. per 100pts. water. After an alkaline (earth) metal compound (e.g.: sodium hydroxide) is added thereto, the reaction is allowed to proceed at a high temp. under high pressure, i.e., at about 200-400 deg.C under about 5-100atm, causing the cellulose-containing biomass to be liquefied to an oily matter useful as a fuel etc. The present method enables a resin which is difficult to be liquefied to be easily liquefied as well as the liquefied product to be easily recovered from the reaction mixture.