Investigating Non-thermal plasma as a means of upgrading Bio-oil model compounds

This project initially aims to convert bio-oil model compounds into more stable or valuable components through the use of non-thermal plasma at a variety of plasma powers and purge gases. These model compounds include methanol, glycerol, furfural and guaiacol, as well as some other likely products of plasma treatment such as acetic acid, hydrocarbons or water. The results are to be used to determine the mechanism of plasma decomposition, tested by computer based modeling and applied to predict the results when applied to mixtures such as waste glycerol. The effects of plasma on the solid raw material is also studied to determine if stable bio-oil can be produced using a one stage plasma treatment process.