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To convert biomass into a biofuel, it must first be deconstructed into its component chemicals. One can generally differentiate between deconstruction processes by the temperature at which they take place. A variety of intermediates can be formed depending on the conditions used in this process.
After preprocessing and/or pretreatment, deconstruction processes can be divided into two categories: (1) high-temperature deconstruction and (2) low-temperature deconstruction.
High-Temperature Deconstruction refers to processes performed at or above 200°C and includes deconstruction processes such as pyrolysis, hydrothermal and solvent liquefaction, and gasification.
Low-Temperature Deconstruction refers to processes performed below 200°C and includes deconstruction processes such as enzymatic and acid hydrolysis.
![Shown above are key areas of Deconstruction & Fractionation and Synthesis & Upgrading research and development, which can be linked to form a complete conversion pathway from feedstock to products. The arrows represent the transition of organic matter from feedstock to intermediates to end products, showing the diversity of accessible conversion. Shown above are key areas of Deconstruction & Fractionation and Synthesis & Upgrading research and development, which can be linked to form a complete conversion pathway from feedstock to products. The arrows represent the transition of organic matter from feedstock to intermediates to end products, showing the diversity of accessible conversion.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201220021941im_/https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/beto_conversion_processes_deconstruction_and_fractionation_0.png)