In China, researchers have identified a means to convert lignin, the primary component of plant matter and wood, into 8-18 carbon alkanes that can be refined into gasoline or diesel. The scientists reported that they have developed catalysts that breakdown carbon-oxygen-carbon bonds using hydrogen, and “near-critical” (250-300 degrees Celsius) water at pressures of 7000 kilopascals (about 70 atmospheres of pressure). The researcheers say that the process produces 8-9 carbon alkanes that are precursors for gasoline, 12-18 carbon alkanes for diesel, and methanol.
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