Efficient conversion of pomelo peel into upgraded bio-crude oil and solid fuel through metal–organic framework catalyzed hydrothermal liquefaction

Yingyuan Wei, Xinqi Han, Sandile Fakudze, Yu Zhang, Stef Ghysels, Di Wu and Jianqiang Chen

Energy, 2025, vol. 319, issue C

Abstract: This study reports on the hydrothermal liquefaction of pomelo peel (PP), with subsequent catalytic upgrading of the bio-crude by metal-organic frame (MOF) catalyst Cu@C. The conversion rate of PP, energy yields of bio-crude oil, and mechanical properties of the hydrochar byproduct after pelletizing were systematically investigated. The Cu@C exerted a good upgrading ability of the bio-crude and was thermal-stable, as was shown upon catalyst recycling tests. The maximum conversion rate of PP was 73.51 ± 0.72 %; and the maximum energy yields of bio-crude oil and hydrochar were 58.53 % and 75.21 %, respectively. The upgraded bio-crude oil produced at 240 °C (CBO240) had the highest C (47.36 wt%) and H (6.96 wt%) contents and the lowest O (40.04 wt%) and N (5.37 wt%) contents, resulting in the highest higher heating value (20.55 MJ/kg). The bio-crude had a high abundance of 3-hydroxypyridine, a product of furfural and ammonia, the former stemming from holocellulose, the latter from proteins. Other cellulose-derived furans and protein-derived diketopiperazines were also observed. The hydrochar pellets had great combustion performance and mechanical strength, making it suitable for solid fuels production.

Keywords: Pomelo peel; Upgraded bio-crude oil; Solid fuel; Hydrothermal liquefaction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:319:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225007297

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135087

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