Work Package 2

The research within WP2 involves Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering LTH, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB, and Luleå University of Technology (LTU), focusing on four subtasks each involving one PhD student. WP2 also involves collaboration with 13 industry partners. In February 2023, a key meeting was held in Luleå and Piteå with contributions from academic and industry partners, supplemented by various online meetings throughout the year.

Task 2.1 focuses on the sourcing and separation of lignin from biomass, with a significant study on lignin extraction from spruce using hydrotropic methods to optimize yield and purity, including a steam explosion pretreatment step. Analytical methods such as NMR, TGA, SEC, and FTIR have been used for characterizing the precipitated lignin.

Task 2.2 is concerned with the production of turbine fuels from lignocellulosic feedstock via pyrolysis and hydroprocessing. During 2023, the pyrolysis pilot plant has been upgraded with a hot gas filter. Pyrolysis oil has been produced from saw dust and distributed to partners for further testing and characterization. Collaborations have also been made for scientific publications and further research into slurry hydroprocessing of pyrolysis oil.

Task 2.3 aims at developing a new methanol-to-jet fuel process, focusing on the development and testing of novel ZSM-5 catalysts, with promising results in catalyst stability and product generation from biomethanol.

Task 2.4 investigates catalyst characterization, particularly Ni-Mo oxide nanoparticles as model active sites for Ni-Mo-based catalysts, revealing insights into the reduction process and implications for catalyst regeneration and lifespan. MoS2 nanoparticles have been characterized for their structure, providing insights into their potential applications in the stabilization of pyrolysis oil.