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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Reducing Willow Wood Fuel Emission by Low Temperature Microwave Assisted Hydrothermal Carbonization
Published on: May 19, 2019
Microwave assisted decomposition of cellulose: A new thermochemical route for biomass exploitation
Vitaly L Budarin1, James H Clark, Brigid A Lanigan
1Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
Abstract:
A microwave assisted low temperature decomposition process has been developed for production of high quality fuels from biomass. 180 degrees C was identified as key in the process mechanism, as the amorphous region of cellulose softens allowing a microwave induced rearrangement. Proton transfer is then possible under the microwave field resulting in acid catalysed decomposition. This low temperature process has been shown to be suitable for scale-up, producing a high quality char for use as a coal replacement and bio-oil suitable for upgrading to liquid fuel.
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