Fundamental Catalysis and Engineering Challenges in Energy Harvesting

This commentary aims to stimulate further thoughts on pyrolysis technology by highlighting some aspects that are not yet fully resolved. Biocrude pyrolysis oil looks like petroleum oil in appearance, but the composition, energy content, and production process are quite different from those in petroleum oil. Therefore, the question arises on what can be done to make the pyrolysis oil technology-process and product-more attractive for commercial use. In the author's view, the perception created has been that it is a ready-to-use technology, only waiting for a political or business decision to progress in the implementation. There are however many research-related questions not yet answered. From this perspective, three areas involving catalysis and engineering aspects are discussed. First, the energy balance in the reactor is a poorly understood area. In other words, where does the energy required to maintain an endothermal reaction come from, especially in locations where utilities are scarce? Then, options to create additional value to make the technology more competitive and commercially viable are discussed. Finally, one of the least investigated topics, the performance of biocrude pyrolysis oil mixtures and its acid-catalyzed upgraded counterparts, is addressed.