Recent Advances in Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Technologies

Dear Colleagues,

The biomass valorization is one important step to invert the global dependence on fossil fuels and to comply with the European Renewable Energy Directive, the European targets 2020–2030, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, it is still necessary to optimize and exploit biomass.

Biomass can be used for different purposes, such as bioenergy (heat, electricity, transport fuels, biogas for industrial and domestic use), food (vegetables, meat, among others), biomaterials (paper, construction material, chemicals, cotton, fibers, fertilizers, soil corrector, among others) and animal feed. A strategic driver for a successful bio-based economy will be the development of systems that allow for the highly efficient and cost-effective processing of bio-based raw materials into a range of bio-based products, while also aiming to reduce GHG emissions and efficient use. Multiple biomasses can be processed in a single conversion process or in a combination of integrated processes. Depending on its composition, the biomass can be used in thermochemical biomass conversion technologies such as combustion, pyrolysis and gasification, to produce different products. The development and improvement of innovative technical methods are of great significance for improving the processing procedures and utilization efficiency of biomass and for decreasing the accompanying adverse effects (such as environmental pollution and energy consumption).

It is with great pleasure that I invite authors to submit articles to this Special Issue, so that together we can help make the world more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This Special Issue addresses various topics, including: residual biomass; conversion technology (carbonization, pyrolysis, gasification, combustion); renewable energy; biofuels; hydrogen; biochar; biofertilizers; energy; emissions; life cycle analysis and sustainability.

Dr. Abel Rodrigues
Dr. Ana Ferreira
Guest Editors

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