Getting from cellulose (biomass wastes) to petrofuels by thermchemical means is hampered by the propensity of low temperature formation of char due to promotion of high exotherm Carbon-Carbon bonds.
Might a low temperature-high pressure hydroreforming process ( less than100 C ) using a dispersed metal "catalyst" effect the favorable water-cellulose reaction: C6H10-O5 + 7 H2O ----> 6 CO2 + 12 H2 + heat Basics of Interaction and Auto-Dissociation of water on solid surfaces: http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/~wchen/Madey_page/Full_Publications/PDF/madey_SSR_1987_T.pdf Water on Silver: http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/~wchen/Madey_page/Full_Publications/PDF/madey_JVSTa_1987_B.pdf Fred
