1. Background and Mission

As global attention shifts toward sustainable development and carbon neutrality, the efficient conversion of biomass into high-value products has emerged as a critical strategy for addressing energy security, environmental protection, and climate change. The Research Center for High-Value Utilization of Biomass is dedicated to advancing fundamental research, key technological breakthroughs, and integrated industrial applications in biomass conversion. By leveraging interdisciplinary expertise and a commitment to innovation, the Center aims to become a world-class hub for biomass utilization, driving the transition toward a circular economy and low-carbon society.

2. Key Research Directions

The Center comprises three core research teams, each focusing on distinct yet complementary areas:

· Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass: Specializing in biomass pyrolysis, gasification, and gas purification technologies. Key areas include MW-scale biomass gasification for combined heat and power, synthesis of oxygenated liquid fuels (e.g., methanol, mixed alcohols, DME), biomass substitution for industrial kiln fuels, biomass gasification-coupled coal-fired boiler power generation with flexible peak-shaving, and biomass gasification for hydrogen production.

· Biochemical Conversion of Biomass: Focused on anaerobic digestion, fuel ethanol, biodiesel, and environmental microbiology. Research encompasses lignocellulose pretreatment, microbial enhancement of fermentation, waste oil hydrodeoxygenation for hydrocarbon fuels, CO₂ bio-capture and utilization, algae-bacteria symbiosis systems for wastewater treatment, and high-value bioproducts from microalgae.

· Catalytic Conversion of Biomass: Devoted to the catalytic transformation of whole biomass components into advanced liquid fuels, bio-based polymers, and high-value chemicals. Core areas include aqueous-phase catalysis for bio-gasoline and bio-jet fuel, synthesis of Alcohol-Ether fuels, and development of novel catalytic materials and processes.

3. Distinctive Strengths and Competitive Advantages

· Holistic Technological Platform: The Center uniquely integrates thermochemical, biochemical, and catalytic conversion platforms, enabling the comprehensive and full-spectrum utilization of diverse biomass resources.

· Pioneering Heritage & Expertise: As one of China’s earliest and most established teams in biomass energy (active since the 1980s), the Center has spearheaded numerous flagship projects, including National Key R&D Programs, The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and Strategic Priority Programs of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

· High-Impact Academic & IP Output: With a track record of excellence, the Center has published over 800 peer-reviewed papers and secured more than 270 invention patents. Our contributions have been recognized with over ten prestigious awards, including the National Science and Technology Progress Award (Second Class).

· Global Collaboration & Industrial Translation: Bridging the gap between lab and market, the Center operates multiple demonstration bases across China. We maintain strategic partnerships with leading international institutions (e.g., KTH Royal Institute of Technology, University of Western Ontario, Boeing) and industry leaders to translate cutting-edge research into scalable, commercial solutions.

4. Strategic Goals and Societal Impact

· Scientific Leadership: To overcome critical technical bottlenecks in biomass valorization and establish a robust innovation ecosystem that supports next-generation biorefinery technologies.

· Economic Valorization: To drive the commercialization of cost-effective, high-performance biomass-derived products, thereby fostering new industrial chains and enhancing the global competitiveness of the bioeconomy.

·Sustainable Development: To actively contribute to carbon neutrality, waste minimization, and rural revitalization. Through sustainable biomass utilization, the Center supports cleaner production methods, energy diversification, and the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for both China and the global community.

Deputy Director Name:LIU Huacai, WANG Haiyong, Deputy Director of the Center

Contact Name: LIU Huacai

Contact Number: +86 15915761504

Contact Email: liuhc@ms.giec.ac.cn