Researchers pioneer thermal deoxygenation as path to drop-in biofuels

In Maine, researchers at the University of Maine have developed a process that turn cellulosic materials and MSW into hydrocarbon fuel oil that can be used like a drop-in fuel, though it would need to be refined like any other fossil-based oil in order to meet emissions standards when used in vehicles.

The process is known as thermal deoxygenation or TDO, and converts cellulose to organic acids which are then combined with calcium hydroxide to form a calcium salt, heated to 450 degrees Celsius and then a reaction results in a dark amber-colored oil after all of the oxygen has been eliminated.