Multitasking oil
Some scientists are investigating making bio-oil, a liquid that would have lots of uses. Rapidly heating biomass in a vacuum causes it to decompose within seconds. The gases released cool to form thick brown oil that could be burnt for heat and electricity, or refined into transport fuel.
This process is called pyrolysis. It needs lots of energy because it uses high temperatures and rapid cooling, so the finished product would have a bigger carbon footprint. It would also cost more.
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Bio-oil is a dark brown, syrupy liquid. It would need to be refined to be used as a transport fuel.
Image: Bioenergy Research Group, Aston University |
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