FT-ICR MS characterization of bio-binders for road pavement from HTL of microalgae residues

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of microalgae-derived feedstocks into a bio-binder was investigated in the absence or presence of a catalyst. The resulting products of HTL of Scenedesmus species (sp.) residues present rheological properties close to those of a petroleum-derived bitumen. The chemical composition of the biobinder was analysed by two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC-MS), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and negative and positive-ion laser desorption/ionization FT-ICR MS to provide a complementary analysis of the biobinder and understanding of the role of catalysts. A detailed description of the heavy nitrogen compounds contained in the biobitumen is given.