Thousands of Hidden Compounds Revealed in Renewable Bio-Oils

Published June 13, 2025

This research introduces a new separation method that is combined with precise mass measurements to identify thousands of previously undetected molecules in bio-oils (renewable liquids made by heating wood chips in the absence of oxygen). These insights help scientists better understand the composition of bio-oils, including key compounds that affect fuel quality, which guides the design of cleaner, more efficient renewable fuels and supports progress toward energy sustainability.

What is the finding

Using a custom chemical separation process, scientists were able to isolate and detect nearly twice as many molecules in renewable bio-oils compared to traditional techniques. This novel approach revealed previously hidden isomers - molecules with the same numbers and types of atoms, but arranged in different structures –that are not invisible using conventional techniques.

Why is this important?

Bio-oils made from plant waste like wood scraps could be used for fuels or starting materials for chemical production. However, these bio-oils are complex, containing thousands of complex oxygen molecules that are difficult to characterize using standard tools. This breakthrough offers researchers a clearer and more complete chemical picture of bio-oils that can help researchers improve bio-oils for future uses in fuels, industrial chemicals, or energy storage.

Who did the research?

Chacón-Patiño, M. L.¹; Frye-Jones, J. W.¹; Anderson, L. C.¹; Robbins, W. K.¹; Vallverdu, G. S.²; Tello-Rodríguez, Á. J.¹; Ruiz, W.; Gascon, G.²; Rüger, C. P.³; Dayton, D. C.⁴; Giusti, P.⁵; Barrière-Mangote, C.⁵; Afonso, C.⁶; Bouyssiere, B.⁵; Rodgers, R. P.¹

¹National MagLab. ²University of Pau. ³Universität Rostock. ⁴RTI International. ⁵TotalEnergies. ⁶Université de Rouen

Why did they need the MagLab?

The MagLab’s powerful 21-tesla mass spectrometer was key to this work because it is one of the only tools in the world with the resolution and sensitivity needed to analyze complex bio-oils as separation occurs. During the separation process, the instrument collects hundreds of detailed spectra, each representing a different group of molecules. Observing when a single molecular formula appears at multiple points during the separation, scientists can identify structural isomers. This level of chemical insight is not possible with standard instruments.