Biomass Characterization
NREL provides high-quality analytical characterization of biomass feedstocks, intermediates, and products, a critical step in optimizing biomass conversion processes.
Capabilities
Standard Biomass Laboratory Analytical Procedures
We maintain a library of analytical methods for biomass characterization available for downloading.
High Throughput Characterization
Cell wall chemistry and sugar release can be predicted for 1000s of samples a week to indicate their recalcitrance and conversion performance.
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Biomass Surface Characterization Laboratory
The Biomass Surface Characterization Laboratory (BSCL) is an integrated microscopy and imaging spectroscopy facility dedicated to multi-scale structural characterization of biomass substrates.
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Comprehensive Characterization of Biomass
We develop new methods and tools to understand the chemical composition of raw biomass feedstocks, process intermediates, and products.
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Bio-Oil Analysis
We develop standard analytical methods for analysis of raw and upgraded bio-oils.
View the Bio-Oil Analysis Lab Procedures.
Featured Publications
Determination of Carbonyl Groups in Pyrolysis Bio-oils using Potentiometric Titration: Review and Comparison of Methods, Energy & Fuels (2016)
Downregulation of p-Coumaroyl Quinate/Shikimate 3-Hydroxylase (C3H) or Cinnamate-4-hydrolylase (C4H) in Eucalyptus urophyllaEucalyptus grandis Leads to Increased Extractability, Bioenergy Research (2016)
Compositional Analysis of Biomass Reference Materials: Results from an Interlaboratory Study, Bioenergy Research (2015)
View all NREL biomass characterization publications.
Research Team
Principal Investigators
Ed Wolfrum
Principal Researcher and Manager, Process and Analytical Engineering Group
Ed.Wolfrum@nrel.gov303-384-7705
Stuart Black
Renee Happs
Brenna Pleitner
Crissa Doeppke
Bill Michener
Michelle Nolker
Paul Plumb
Kailee Potter
Kelsey Ramirez
Jeffrey Wolfe
Related and Integrated Programs
Biochemical Process Development and Integration
Biological and Catalytic Conversion of Sugars and Lignin
Biomass Deconstruction and Pretreatment
Heterogeneous Catalysis for Thermochemical Conversion
Thermochemical Process Integration, Scale-Up, and Piloting
Collaborators
The Center for Bioenergy Innovation
The Center for Direct Catalytic Conversion of Biomass to Biofuels
Colorado School of Mines
Cornell University
Idaho National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National laboratory
Pacific Northwest National laboratory
University of Illinois
University of Texas, Austin
Washington State University