ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Pyrolysis oil

Pyrolysis oil is made by heating up certain types of substances like wood chips, sawdust, and other types of biomass without using oxygen. This creates a chemical reaction that breaks down the substances into smaller molecules, producing pyrolysis oil as a byproduct. Think of it like making s'mores over a campfire, but instead of eating the s'mores, we are creating a type of oil.

Pyrolysis oil is sometimes also called bio oil because it is made from organic, plant-based materials. It is different from regular oil because it is renewable – meaning we can keep making it as long as we have biomass to use – and it doesn't release as many harmful emissions when it's burned.

People use pyrolysis oil as a fuel source for things like generators, boilers, and even cars. Because it is a type of liquid fuel, it can be transported easily and used in the same ways as other types of liquid fuels. However, it is not as commonly used as other types of fuels because it can be expensive to produce and is not as widely available.

Overall, pyrolysis oil is an interesting and innovative way to create a renewable, plant-based fuel source for a variety of purposes.