| abstract |
the present invention provides methods, reactor systems and catalysts for converting biomass into less complex oxygen compounds in a continuous process for use in downstream processes to produce biofuels and chemicals. the invention includes methods for converting biomass components, such as hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, into water-soluble materials, including lignocellulosic derivatives, hemicellulosic derivatives, carbohydrates, starches, polysaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, sugars, sugar alcohols, alditois, polyols , diols, alcohols, ketones, cyclic ethers, esters, carboxylic acids, aldehydes and mixture thereof, with the use of hydrogen and a heterogeneous liquefaction catalyst. |