Researchers at Iowa State University, US, have discovered a way to produce high-value chemicals such as propylene from biomass instead of petroleum.
The team found the components during a study of the reactions of cellulosic materials in alcohols at high temperatures and pressures using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
The technology is based on the chemistry of supercritical fluids, which are heated under pressure until liquid and gas phases merge.
The team also discovered that the process yields alkyl glucosides and levoglucosan, which can be used for ethanol production.
