EUBCE 2024 - Gabriel DE FREITAS BATISTA - Unlocking the Potential of Solid Fraction from Hydrothermal Liquefaction: Defining, Categorizing, and Regulating

Unlocking the Potential of Solid Fraction from Hydrothermal Liquefaction: Defining, Categorizing, and Regulating

Short Introductive summary

Thermochemical technologies for biomass conversion, particularly Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL), have gained attention due to their role in sustainable fuel production. While biocrude production from wet feedstocks is the main purpose of this technology, the residual solid fraction has received less attention, leading to inconsistent labeling as biochar or hydrochar. A comparison of HTL solids with biochar and hydrochar, following the European Biochar Certification (EBC) guidelines, was conducted for the first time. Due distinct properties of HTL solids compared to biochar and hydrochar, it is proposed to name it HTL-char, preventing any confusion between materials. So far no HTL-char studied meets the requirements for EBC certification, but since HTL-char and biochar are not the same material in nature, the need for a new assessment in terms of applicability is obvious. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for comprehensive characterizations and the development of a distinct certification system for HTL-char to facilitate its entry into commercial markets and ensure standardized production.

G.F. Batista, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GERMANY
G.C. Becker, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GERMANY
A. Kruse, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GERMANY