Bio-oil Electrocatalysis

Electrodeless Dielectrophoretic (DC DEP) Lab-on-a-Chip System for Erythrocytes


Researcher

Chung-Ja Yang

Description and Motivation

Bio-oil researchers have explored the commercialization of a liquefied fuel made from low-grade wood. Bio-oil is an organic, liquid fuel produced through a process known as pyrolysis. This procedure produces three products: a liquid, char, and gas. The technology that is the subject of review in this opportunity analysis—fast pyrolysis—is specifically designed to maximize the output of liquid, or bio-oil.

However, hydrodeoxygenating (HDO) of bio-oils has been problematic for researchers to perform successfully due to the catalyst coking which occurs in the process. It is therefore beneficial to develop alternative deoxygenation paths for upgrading bio-oils. This project is exploring the development of an electrolytic cell within which reduction reactions are catalyzed within the bio-oil such that oxygenation hydrocarbons are reduced to their easily combustible, purely hydrocarbon form. Electrocatalysis of bio-oils has the advantage that it does not require high thermal or pressure applications. This approach has potential for avoiding the catalytic coking experienced by standard HDO methods.

References

  • Mohan, D., Pittman, C. U., Steele, P. H., “Pyrolysis of Wood/Biomass for Bio-oil: A Critical Review,” Energy & Fuels, 2006, 20, 848-889.
  • Otsuka, K., I. Yamanaka, 2000. “Oxygenation of alkanes and aromatics by reductively activated oxygen during H2-O2 cell reactions.” Catalysis Today,57:71-86.

Personal Motivation

My interest in studying chemical engineering, especially with biological engineering comes from visiting Dr. Adrienne R. Minerick’s laboratory. I was an exchange student at MSU from South Korea, and I was looking for a proper graduate school and research field. I was unsure which research subject to choose, but it was clear that I would like to make a contribution in medical area for human health. Fortunately, when I visited MD-ERL, I liked all the people in too. I’m just beginning in research, but I believe I could learn a variety of knowledge and develop creative ideas in the medical device development area.