The Potential of Apricot Tree Resin as a Viable Feedstock for High-Value Chemicals via Hydrothermal Gasification

This study investigates the hydrothermal gasification (HTG) of apricot tree resin, focusing on the yield and chemical composition of the resulting gas and aqueous phases. K2CO3 and KOH were used as catalysts within a temperature range of 300–600 °C, with a constant reaction time of 60 min. The results show that temperature and catalyst choice significantly influence gas yield, liquid composition, and solid residue formation. Higher temperatures increased the gas yield while decreasing aqueous and solid residues. The catalytic effect of K2CO3 and KOH enhanced the gaseous product conversion, with KOH achieving the highest gas yield and lowest residue formation at 600 °C. Among the liquid-phase compounds, carboxylic acids and 5-methyl furfural were the most abundant, reaching peak concentrations at 300 °C in the presence of K2CO3. The addition of alkali catalysts reduced key acidic intermediates such as glycolic, acetic, and formic acids. The inverse relationship between temperature and liquid/solid product formation underscores the importance of optimizing reaction conditions for efficient biomass conversion. These findings contribute to the growing field of biomass valorization by highlighting the potential of underutilized tree resins in sustainable biofuel production, advancing knowledge in renewable hydrogen production, and supporting the broader development of bio-based energy solutions.