Biomass Fuels via Hydrothermal Conversion

In a joint project with the Paul Scherrer Institut in Switzerland, we are developing a robust process to take a wide range of waste biomass and convert it into methane and associated nutrient salts. Specifically, we are working through the issues of the effect of salts in the catalytic system, and how to effectively separate them without fouling the catalyst.

Through means of chemical conversion in moderate temperature and pressure water, most organic waste can be broken down into valuable components, including a petroleum substitute, carbon black, and fertilizers. This process has been developed and commercialized by Changing World Technologies. We are working to further understand the chemistry of this conversion process, with an eye on decreasing the production of unwanted by-products.

Algae have enormous potential as a future biofuel feedstock. We are assessing the abilities of doing the conversion to a biocrude oil in hydrothermal systems