The ChE MQP investigated the effectiveness of nickel based catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of food waste. Results show that oxide catalysts improve bio-oil yield, high heating values, and energy recovery; Ni/ZrO2 was the best catalyst reducing solids formation and producing a bio-oil with properties close to crude. Catalytic hydrogenation is a promising technology for HTL and future studies on catalyst reusability and byproducts will be useful to determine future scalability. The PW MQP examined perceptions of second generation biofuels circulating in 165 articles published in 7 newspapers across the US from 2008 to 2018. Findings suggest more biofuels advocacy is needed to educate the public, lobby for regulations, increase funding, and showcase research potential.

• 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

• Romo, Carla Isabel

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042419-143515

Advisor

• Higgins, Lorraine D.
• Timko, Michael T.

Year

• 2019

Date created

• 2019-04-24

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Interdisciplinary

Rights statement

• In Copyright