Clay Fuel: Developing marine biofuels from bio-oils derived from the pyrolysis of second-generation lignocellulosic biomass

Date: March 2025
Duration: 3 months
Home laboratory: Laboratoire GEPEA - GEnie des Procédés Environnement - Agroalimentaire, Université de Nantes, France
Host laboratory: AAU Energy, Aalborg University, Denmark

The ClayFuel project is part of the energy transition, proposing an innovative solution to reduce the carbon footprint of maritime transport. It aims to develop marine biofuels from bio-oils produced by the pyrolysis of second-generation lignocellulosic biomass. Although promising, these bio-oils present limitations such as chemical instability, high viscosity and reduced compatibility with existing marine engines.

To address these challenges, the project exploits catalysts based on modified clays, natural, inexpensive and abundant materials. These catalysts are used in low-temperature processes, such as catalytic cracking and solvolysis, to enhance the properties of bio-oils.

This project is structured around three main lines of work:
1. Advanced catalyst characterization: studying the structure, acidity and performance of catalytic clays to optimize their conditions of use.
2. Experimentation in reactors: Carry out tests under real conditions to develop low-temperature refining processes adapted to bio-oils.
3. Advanced product analysis: Characterize the fractions obtained to assess their quality and compliance with marine standards.

ClayFuel, in collaboration with Aalborg University, will enable the catalysts to be tested under different operating conditions and strengthen scientific exchanges. The expected results will not only help to reduce the carbon footprint of maritime transport, but also open up new prospects for the use of refined bio-oils as alternatives to fossil fuels.