Characterization of biomass-based flash pyrolysis oils

An analytical scheme for the characterization of biomass-based flash pyrolysis oils was developed. The scheme was based on fractionation of the oils with water and on further extraction of the water-soluble fraction with diethylether. The chemical composition of the fractions was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The physical and chemical nature of straw, pine and hardwood pyrolysis oils was determined and compared with each other. Correlations between the physical properties and chemical composition of the oils were drawn. The characterization method will be utilized in further work for stabilization and upgrading tests of flash pyrolysis oils.