The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 10

SPECIAL FEATURE
In 2024, kg-scale quantities of RCF lignin oil were sent to
TotalEnergies OneTech Belgium pilot research facility. The
objective is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of lignin oil
hydrotreatment (e.g. hydrodeoxygenation (HDO)). HDO of lignin oil
facilitates the integration of aromatic and naphthenic compounds
into other sources of biojet, potentially leading to 100% SAF in
aircraft engines (Figure 5). With the RCF technology the most
energy-rich component of lignocellulosic biomass can be obtained
in liquid state which allows refiners to process it like they process
crude oils.
The pilot-scale testing will involve a series of HDO tests to evaluate
the efficiency and effectiveness of the identified suitable catalyst
and operating conditions. Key performance indicators will include
the degree of deoxygenation, the naphthene-aromatic distribution
and the overall yield. Additionally, the presence of aromatic
compounds in other sources of biofuel is expected to enhance the
quality and performance of the final biofuel, being closer to the
reference fossil equivalent. Prior collaboration between KULeuven
and TotalEnergies at lab-scale, strengthened TotalEnergies' patent
portfolio in this field.
The results from the pilot-scale tests will be meticulously analyzed
to determine the feasibility and scalability of the process. Success
could drive advancements towards economically viable and
sustainable biofuels and chemicals.
Process Development: " Safe and Sustainable by Design
Products "
A completely different approach to biobased drop-in kerosene
molecules for SAF is targeting novel functional molecules by
exploiting nature's chemical moieties with potential for improved
properties. For example, the high amount of hydroxyl functionality
and the tunability of this parameter in RCF lignin oil make it an interesting renewable source of
phenolic precursors for the polymer, additive and surfactant industries. Depending on the type
of feedstock, lignin-derived phenols are characterized by one or two methoxy moieties next to
the phenolic functional group (e.g. ortho-methoxy moieties). Interestingly, our research group
has shown that the presence of these lignin-characterizing methoxy groups in bisphenols, like
bisguaiacols, lowers the in vitro estrogenic activity compared to classic bisphenols. Note that
several fossil-based phenol and bisphenol precursors are recognized by ECHA as Substances of
Very High Concern (SVHC) due to their endocrine disrupting behavior. Hence, nature might not
only offer valuable but also potentially safer phenol precursors for the chemical industry. Whether
lignin-derived compounds and products can truly substitute current listed SVHC compounds will
be further investigated in an upcoming EU innovation action project. In this project, the production
of novel lignin-derived products will be demonstrated at higher TRL level (>5) throughout the
whole value chain, following the EU Safe and Sustainable by design framework.
Roadmap to Commercialization
Several development stages are required to bring this novel biorefinery technology to full
commercial scale. Currently, further advancements in catalysis, process design, and (intermediate)
product development are taking place (TRL 5-6, 2024-2026) to strengthen the business case.
The next step involves a demonstration scale (TRL 6-8, 2026-2029) targeting 10 kt lignocellulose
biomass input per year. Following this, the first full commercial scale biorefinery (TRL 9, > 2029) is
envisioned, comparable in size to current industrial pulp & paper mills, with a capacity of 100-1000
kt of lignocellulose biomass input per year. The required investments for a demonstration-scale
project are estimated at €20M-€50M. While spearheaded by industry leaders - such as those in
10
The Catalyst Review
November 2024
Figure 5 Feed for HDO to SAF (top),
typical kerosene composition (bottom)
Source: TotalEnergies

The Catalyst Review November 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Catalyst Review November 2024