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Technical Advances in Biomass Conversion

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Chemical and Molecular Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2026) | Viewed by 4194

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Green Technology (IGT), University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
Interests: waste/biomass to energy technologies; biorefinery concepts and innovative wastewater treatment methods

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of biomass conversion has witnessed significant advancements, driven by the urgent need for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. This Special Issue, titled “Technical Advances in Biomass Conversion”, aims to highlight the latest innovations and research breakthroughs shaping the future of this critical domain. Beyond the well-known application of biomass in renewable energy production, recent developments have expanded its potential to include a variety of high-value products, such as bio-based chemicals, materials, and pharmaceuticals, which offer promising avenues for reducing our reliance on non-renewable resources. This issue will explore cutting-edge technologies, including advanced thermochemical processes, biocatalysis, and integrated biorefineries, that are pushing the boundaries of biomass utilization. By showcasing these technical advances, we hope to inspire further research and collaboration in the quest for a more sustainable future.

Prof. Dr. Jens Ejbye Schmidt
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • advanced thermochemical processes
  • biocatalysis
  • integrated biorefineries

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 721 KB  
Article
Direct and Quantitative Formation of 2,5-Diethoxymethylfuran from HMF via Hybrid Catalytic Hydrogenation by Using a Ru-PNP Catalyst and Acid-Catalyzed Etherification in Ethanol
by Valeria Nori and Martin Nielsen
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(10), 4794; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16104794 - 12 May 2026
Abstract
This study presents an integrated catalytic system enabling the quantitative production of 2,5-diethoxymethylfuran from HMF through a hybrid sequence that combines Ru-PNP-catalyzed hydrogenation with heterogeneous acid-catalyzed etherification in ethanol. The approach provides complete selectivity under mild conditions and demonstrates the compatibility of homogeneous [...] Read more.
This study presents an integrated catalytic system enabling the quantitative production of 2,5-diethoxymethylfuran from HMF through a hybrid sequence that combines Ru-PNP-catalyzed hydrogenation with heterogeneous acid-catalyzed etherification in ethanol. The approach provides complete selectivity under mild conditions and demonstrates the compatibility of homogeneous hydrogenation catalysts with solid acid co-catalysts in a single process environment. In addition, we report the first example of homogeneously catalyzed hydrogenative valorization of HMF employing a co-catalytic, potentially recyclable acid additive. This strategy expands the scope of HMF upgrading pathways and highlights the potential of hybrid catalytic systems for the efficient synthesis of stable, energy-dense furan derivatives relevant to biofuel and biobased chemical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical Advances in Biomass Conversion)
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23 pages, 4512 KB  
Article
Emission Performance of Cocoa Mucilage Bioethanol (E5) in a Legacy Spark-Ignition Vehicle Without Catalytic Converter: A Technical Case Study
by Cristian Laverde-Albarracín, Juan Felix González-González, Sergio Nogales-Delgado, Sebastián Naranjo-Silva, Beatriz Ledesma-Cano, Silvia Román-Suero and Samantha Puente-Bosquez
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3885; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083885 - 16 Apr 2026
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Abstract
This study presents a technical case study aimed at evaluating the emission performance and regulatory compliance of a low-level ethanol–gasoline blend (E5) produced from cocoa mucilage, applied in a spark-ignition vehicle applied in a spark-ignition vehicle without a catalytic converter, evaluated as a [...] Read more.
This study presents a technical case study aimed at evaluating the emission performance and regulatory compliance of a low-level ethanol–gasoline blend (E5) produced from cocoa mucilage, applied in a spark-ignition vehicle applied in a spark-ignition vehicle without a catalytic converter, evaluated as a technical case study representative of aging fleet conditions. A controlled within-vehicle experimental design was employed to compare three fuels: Extra gasoline, Super gasoline, and an E5 blend (95% gasoline–5% bioethanol). Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and excess air ratio (λ) were quantified under standardized operating conditions (700 and 2500 rpm), following the Ecuadorian standard NTE INEN 2204:2017. Results demonstrate that the E5 blend improves combustion efficiency, reducing CO and HC emissions while increasing CO2, indicating enhanced carbon oxidation. A systematic shift toward leaner combustion conditions (higher λ and O2) was also observed, associated with the oxygenated nature of ethanol and improved air–fuel mixture homogeneity. However, regulatory assessment revealed only partial compliance, as all fuels met CO limits but exceeded thresholds for HC, λ, and O2. Quantitatively, the E5 blend reduced CO emissions by approximately 10–15% compared to Extra gasoline and decreased HC emissions by approximately 15–25%, depending on the operating condition. Additionally, CO2 emissions showed a slight increase, indicating improved combustion efficiency, while λ and O2 values reflected a shift toward leaner combustion conditions. Overall, the findings highlight the dominant influence of vehicle mechanical condition on emission performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical Advances in Biomass Conversion)
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34 pages, 3023 KB  
Article
Thermochemical Valorisation of Apple Pomace-Derived Biochar: Temperature-Driven Structural Evolution, Soil Chemical Modulation, and Agronomic Performance in Wheat Germination
by Ramona-Raluca Handolescu, Violeta-Carolina Niculescu, Nadia Paun, Claudia Sandru, Antoaneta Roman, Daniela Ion-Ebrasu and Sina Niculina Cosmulescu
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3273; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073273 - 28 Mar 2026
Viewed by 452
Abstract
Apple pomace represents an important agro-industrial residue with high moisture content and significant environmental burden if improperly managed. This study investigated its thermochemical valorisation into biochar via two processes, followed by comprehensive physicochemical characterization and agronomic evaluation. Elemental analysis revealed carbon enrichment from [...] Read more.
Apple pomace represents an important agro-industrial residue with high moisture content and significant environmental burden if improperly managed. This study investigated its thermochemical valorisation into biochar via two processes, followed by comprehensive physicochemical characterization and agronomic evaluation. Elemental analysis revealed carbon enrichment from 47.89% in raw material to 77–78% after the thermal process, evidencing a progressive aromatization. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman analysis confirmed a temperature-dependent transition from partially amorphous carbon (400 °C) to more ordered aromatic structures (450 °C), while excessive thermal treatment (550 °C) increased structural defects. ICP-OES revealed an enrichment in thermally stable metals (Fe, Al, Mn) and limited Cd accumulation. Germination assays using Triticum aestivum L. demonstrated that biochar produced at 400 °C significantly improved the germination uniformity and seedling height (14.1 mm), as well as biomass accumulation compared to the control soil sample. The fertilizer addition increased the soluble Na and electrical conductivity (up to 643 µS/cm), potentially inducing transient salinity stress. Soil chemical analysis indicated increased K availability in soils amended with biochar produced at 400 °C, whereas the combination of biochar obtained at 450 °C with fertilizer conducted to elevated concentrations of certain trace metals, mainly Ni and Cr, highlighting the demand for careful monitoring. Overall, the biochar produced at 400 °C yielded to an optimal balance between structural stability, nutrient enrichment, and agronomic performance, evidencing that apple pomace may be a viable feedstock for sustainable biochar production within circular bioeconomy frameworks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical Advances in Biomass Conversion)
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Review

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39 pages, 3073 KB  
Review
The Future of Green Chemistry: Evolution and Recent Trends in Deep Eutectic Solvents Research
by Veronika Jančíková and Michal Jablonský
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020654 - 8 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2644
Abstract
Deep eutectic solvents are a sustainable and chemically tunable class of solvents formed by strong hydrogen bonding between a hydrogen bond acceptor and a hydrogen bond donor. Their extreme versatility has established deep eutectic solvents in ten key applied areas, including the green [...] Read more.
Deep eutectic solvents are a sustainable and chemically tunable class of solvents formed by strong hydrogen bonding between a hydrogen bond acceptor and a hydrogen bond donor. Their extreme versatility has established deep eutectic solvents in ten key applied areas, including the green extraction of bioactive compounds, CO2 capture, electrochemistry, and the catalytic media. Research is shifting towards highly innovative frontier trends, such as the role of deep eutectic solvents in dynamic covalent chemistry and as templates for advanced photocatalytic nanomaterials. Other innovative directions include artificial organelles for bioremediation, thermoacoustic deep eutectic solvents for smart drug delivery, and their use as multifunctional interfaces for 2D materials. The future of deep eutectic solvents lies in process engineering and scale-up, supported by computational chemistry, confirming their position as a central pillar of the circular economy. This trajectory marks the transition of deep eutectic solvents from laboratory curiosities to a scalable industrial reality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical Advances in Biomass Conversion)
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