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Green coal and lubricant via hydrogen-free hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass

Author

Listed:
  • Maojiong Cao

    (China Agricultural University
    Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
    State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources)

  • Reaihan E

    (China Agricultural University
    Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
    Shihezi University)

  • Changbin Yuan

    (China Agricultural University
    Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs)

  • Lasse Aistrup Rosendahl

    (Aalborg University)

  • Yuanhui Zhang

    (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

  • Charles Chunbao Xu

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Yulong Wu

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Deliang Kong

    (China Agricultural University
    Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs)

  • Yingxian Wang

    (Henan University of Science and Technology)

  • Jiaming Li

    (Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering)

  • Zhidan Liu

    (China Agricultural University
    Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
    State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources)

Abstract

Biocrude derived from biomass via hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a sustainable substitute for petroleum to obtain energy and biochemicals. Upgrading biocrude inevitably faces the trade-off between consuming large amounts of hydrogen via hydrotreating and high yield of solid residue without additional hydrogen. In this work, we report a non-hydrogenated refinery paradigm for nearly complete valorization (~90%), via co-generating green coal and bio-lubricant. The obtained green coal has higher heating values comparable to commercial coals, with a lower fuel ratio and reduced ash content. Viscosity of upgraded vacuum distillate is comparable to that of a lubricant oil. A life cycle assessment confirms 28% reduction in greenhouse gas emission and 35% reduction in energy input of this paradigm compared with conventional hydrotreating biorefinery. This approach presents an environmentally friendly, safe and convenient paradigm for biocrude refining from huge biowaste towards carbon-neutral society.

Suggested Citation

  • Maojiong Cao & Reaihan E & Changbin Yuan & Lasse Aistrup Rosendahl & Yuanhui Zhang & Charles Chunbao Xu & Yulong Wu & Deliang Kong & Yingxian Wang & Jiaming Li & Zhidan Liu, 2025. "Green coal and lubricant via hydrogen-free hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56037-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56037-z
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