The sequential coupling of catalytic steps will be an essential factor for achieving a progressive and controlled biomass deoxygenation and reduce hydrogen consumption, avoiding the problems that hinder one/two-step bio-oil upgrading processes.
On the other hand, the use of tailored nano-catalysts will allow optimising reaction yields (increasing liquid yield and preventing bio-oil contamination) and facing limitations of current catalysts in terms of selectivity and deactivation rates.
Finally, the scaling-up of the process will be important for fully exploring and understanding the catalytic and reaction dynamics, assessing catalysts life-cycles and demonstrating the viability of the CASCATBEL process in relevant environments, from both technical and economic perspectives.