Catalytic conversion of bio-oil to oxygen-containing fuels by simultaneous reactions with 1-butanol and 1-octene over solid acids: Model compound studies and reaction pathways.

Upgrading bio-oil by addition reactions across olefins represents a route to refine bio-oil to combustible and stable oxygen-containing fuels. Development and application of highly active strong solid acid catalysts with good hydrothermal stability has become a key determinant for success, because bio-oil's complexity includes large amounts of water. Temperatures of 120°C or more are needed for satisfactory kinetics.