Biomass has been shown to yield simpler organic gaseous and liquid compounds when broken down. Some of these compounds can be further processed into liquid biofuels such as ethanol. Ionic liquids have been shown to aid in the breakdown of biomass into these intermediate compounds. The purpose of this project was to determine whether molten salts, a cheaper alternative to ionic liquids, could also yield these intermediates when used with or without catalysts. During the course of this study, it was found that some combinations of molten salt eutectics and catalysts were very effective in the breakdown of biomass into furanic compounds. The low cost of the molten salts, therefore, promises processes based on them to be cost-effective for converting biomass into biofuels.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• O'Hara, Ryan Timothy
• Rynkar, John Thomas
• Scully, Brian Joseph

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042612-145246

Advisor

• Datta, Ravindra
• Dittami, James P.

Year

• 2012

Date created

• 2012-04-26

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering
• Interdisciplinary

Rights statement

• In Copyright