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Biorefineries for the Production of Fuel
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Biorefineries for the Production of Fuel

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A4: Bio-Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2020) | Viewed by 29592

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Paul Christakopoulos

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Guest Editor
Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
Interests: biomass fractionation; biomass processing with biocatalysis; biocatalytic CO2 capture and conversion
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Mette Hedegaard Thomsen

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Guest Editor
Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark
Interests: biomass fractionation; extraction; fermentation; halophytes; biofuels; biochemicals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Ilona Sárvári Horváth

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Guest Editor
Swedish Centre for Resource Recovery, University of Borås, 501 90 Borås, Sweden
Interests: bioprocess engineering; biofuel production; lignocellulosic biomass; innovative pretreatment technologies; anaerobic digestion; dry digestion; co-digestion; microbial aspects of anaerobic digestion; anaerobic fermentation; syngas fermentation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Valorization of lignocellulosic biomass from forestry, agricultural, or other industrial side streams for the production of fuels has been the subject of intensive research over the past decades. This interest is based on the fact that lignocellulose is an abundant, renewable, and sustainable resource that can be used as raw material in environmentally friendly and economically beneficial processes. With a composition of as high as 70% sugars in the form of cellulose and hemicellulose polymers, lignocellulose represents the feedstock of a glucocentric biorefinery process, which was focused initially on production of bioethanol via fermentation of the glucose fraction.  A more resource-efficient approach would be to utilize the entire biomass in a biorefinery concept, where the different process streams can be directed toward a wide range of products. In this view, all lignocellulose components are potential sources of value-added fuels.

This special issue will cover all aspects related to biological, thermo and catalytic routes for the conversion of biomass to fuels. Emphasis will be given to the use of underutilized fractions of the biomass (such as hemicellulose and lignin).

Prof. Dr. Paul Christakopoulos
Prof. Dr. Mette Hedegaard Thomsen
Prof. Dr. Ilona Sárvári Horváth
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • biorefinery development 
  • thermochemical conversion of biomass into fuels 
  • biological conversion of biomass into fuels 
  • lignin conversion into fuels 
  • hemicellulose conversion into fuels

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 1139 KiB  
Article
Developing Process Designs for Biorefineries—Definitions, Categories, and Unit Operations
by Tanmay Chaturvedi, Ana I. Torres, George Stephanopoulos, Mette Hedegaard Thomsen and Jens Ejbye Schmidt
Energies 2020, 13(6), 1493; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13061493 - 21 Mar 2020
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6194
Abstract
In this review, we focus on the literature that described the various unit operations in a process design flowsheet of biorefineries. We begin by establishing the accepted definitions of a biorefinery, go on to describe how to categorize biorefineries, and finally review the [...] Read more.
In this review, we focus on the literature that described the various unit operations in a process design flowsheet of biorefineries. We begin by establishing the accepted definitions of a biorefinery, go on to describe how to categorize biorefineries, and finally review the literature on biorefinery process designs by listing the unit operation in each process design. Distinguishing biorefineries based on feedstock, the types of processing units, and the products emanating from the biorefinery are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biorefineries for the Production of Fuel)
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15 pages, 2874 KiB  
Article
Aldehydes-Aided Lignin-First Deconstruction Strategy for Facilitating Lignin Monomers and Fermentable Glucose Production from Poplar Wood
by Tian-Ying Chen, Cheng-Ye Ma, Dou-Yong Min, Chuan-Fu Liu, Shao-Ni Sun, Xue-Fei Cao, Jia-Long Wen, Tong-Qi Yuan and Run-Cang Sun
Energies 2020, 13(5), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13051113 - 2 Mar 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2842
Abstract
In this study, lignin with fine structures and facile enzymatic saccharifying residue were successively dissociated based on the lignin-first biomass deconstruction strategy. In the lignin-first process, aldehyde-protected lignin fractions were firstly isolated by acid-catalyzed dioxane extraction in the presence of formaldehyde (FA) and [...] Read more.
In this study, lignin with fine structures and facile enzymatic saccharifying residue were successively dissociated based on the lignin-first biomass deconstruction strategy. In the lignin-first process, aldehyde-protected lignin fractions were firstly isolated by acid-catalyzed dioxane extraction in the presence of formaldehyde (FA) and acetaldehyde (AA) and then analyzed by advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The optimized hydrogenolysis of the extracted lignin (LFA and LAA) resulted in a high yield (42.57% and 33.00%) of lignin monomers with high product selectivity (mainly 2,6-dimethoxy-4-propylphenol) (39.93% and 46.61%). Moreover, the cellulose-rich residues were saccharified into fermentable glucose for bioethanol production. The glucose yield of the substrate (RAA) reached to 75.12%, which was significantly higher than that (15.4%) of the substrate (RFA). In short, the lignin-first biomass deconstruction by adding AA is a promising and sustainable process for producing value-added products (energy and fine chemicals) from lignocellulosic biomass. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biorefineries for the Production of Fuel)
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18 pages, 3329 KiB  
Article
Technoeconomic Assessment of Hybrid Organosolv–Steam Explosion Pretreatment of Woody Biomass
by Sennai Mesfun, Leonidas Matsakas, Ulrika Rova and Paul Christakopoulos
Energies 2019, 12(21), 4206; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12214206 - 4 Nov 2019
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3781
Abstract
This study investigates technoeconomic performance of standalone biorefinery concepts that utilize hybrid organic solvent and steam explosion pretreatment technique. The assessments were made based on a mathematical process model developed in UniSim Design software using inhouse experimental data. The work was motivated by [...] Read more.
This study investigates technoeconomic performance of standalone biorefinery concepts that utilize hybrid organic solvent and steam explosion pretreatment technique. The assessments were made based on a mathematical process model developed in UniSim Design software using inhouse experimental data. The work was motivated by successful experimental applications of the hybrid pretreatment technique on lignocellulosic feedstocks that demonstrated high fractionation efficiency into a cellulose-rich, a hemicellulose-rich and lignin streams. For the biorefinery concepts studied here, the targeted final products were ethanol, organosolv lignin and hemicellulose syrup. Minimum ethanol selling price (MESP) and Internal rate of return (IRR) were evaluated as economic indicators of the investigated biorefinery concepts. Depending on the configuration, and allocating all costs to ethanol, MESP in the range 0.53–0.95 €/L were required for the biorefinery concepts to break even. Under the assumed ethanol reference price of 0.55 €/L, the corresponding IRR were found to be in the range −1.75–10.7%. Hemicellulose degradation and high steam demand identified as major sources of inefficiencies for the process and economic performance, respectively. Sensitivity of MESP and IRR towards the most influential technical, economic and market parameters performed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biorefineries for the Production of Fuel)
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13 pages, 1339 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Marine Synechococcus for an Algal Biorefinery in Arid Regions
by Tomasz Bochenski, Tanmay Chaturvedi, Mette Hedegaard Thomsen and Jens Ejbye Schmidt
Energies 2019, 12(12), 2233; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12122233 - 12 Jun 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2733
Abstract
Implementing microalgae biorefinery in arid environments requires utilization of strains that can grow at high temperatures (above 28 °C) and salinity levels (above 30 ppt). In this study, we investigate the newly isolated seawater strain, Synechococcus, native to the United Arab Emirates, [...] Read more.
Implementing microalgae biorefinery in arid environments requires utilization of strains that can grow at high temperatures (above 28 °C) and salinity levels (above 30 ppt). In this study, we investigate the newly isolated seawater strain, Synechococcus, native to the United Arab Emirates, and evaluate its value as a perspective organism for cultivation (for fuel and bio-products) in regions with freshwater scarcity. The strain displayed tolerance to a wide range of temperature (22–37 °C) and salinity (20–41 ppt), with maximum biomass concentration of 0.72 g L−1 and a maximum growth rate of 82 mg L−1 d−1 at 25 °C and 33 ppt salinity. Lipids accumulation reached up to 26% of dry weight in nitrogen-depleted conditions (with 1.8 mM of nitrates addition to the media), whereas protein content exceeded 50% dry weight. In this study, harvesting is investigated using three chemical agents: Ferric chloride, sodium hydroxide, and chitosan. Cell disruption is analyzed for four distinct treatments: Enzymatic, alkaline, ultrasonic, and hydrothermal. Among tested methods, flocculation with sodium hydroxide and ultrasonication were found to be the most efficient techniques for harvesting and cell disruption, respectively. The growth characteristics of the local strain and the potential to derive protein and lipids from it makes it a promising biomass in a biorefinery context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biorefineries for the Production of Fuel)
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11 pages, 2222 KiB  
Article
Aromatics from Beechwood Organosolv Lignin through Thermal and Catalytic Pyrolysis
by Konstantinos G. Kalogiannis, Leonidas Matsakas, Angelos A. Lappas, Ulrika Rova and Paul Christakopoulos
Energies 2019, 12(9), 1606; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12091606 - 27 Apr 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3102
Abstract
Biomass fractionation, as an alternative to biomass pretreatment, has gained increasing research attention over the past few years as it provides separate streams of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. These streams can be used separately and can provide a solution for improving the economics [...] Read more.
Biomass fractionation, as an alternative to biomass pretreatment, has gained increasing research attention over the past few years as it provides separate streams of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. These streams can be used separately and can provide a solution for improving the economics of emerging biorefinery technologies. The sugar streams are commonly used in microbial conversions, whereas during recent years lignin has been recognized as a valuable compound as it is the only renewable and abundant source of aromatic chemicals. Successfully converting lignin into valuable chemicals and products is key in achieving both environmental and economic sustainability of future biorefineries. In this work, lignin retrieved from beechwood sawdust delignification pretreatment via an organosolv process was depolymerized with thermal and catalytic pyrolysis. ZSM-5 commercial catalyst was used in situ to upgrade the lignin bio-oil vapors. Lignins retrieved from different modes of organosolv pretreatment were tested in order to evaluate the effect that upstream pretreatment has on the lignin fraction. Both thermal and catalytic pyrolysis yielded oils rich in phenols and aromatic hydrocarbons. Use of ZSM-5 catalyst assisted in overall deoxygenation of the bio-oils and enhanced aromatic hydrocarbons production. The oxygen content of the bio-oils was reduced at the expense of their yield. Organosolv lignins were successfully depolymerized towards phenols and aromatic hydrocarbons via thermal and catalytic pyrolysis. Hence, lignin pyrolysis can be an effective manner for lignin upgrading towards high added value products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biorefineries for the Production of Fuel)
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12 pages, 1321 KiB  
Article
Ethanol Production from Corn Fiber Separated after Liquefaction in the Dry Grind Process
by Chinmay V. Kurambhatti, Deepak Kumar, Kent D. Rausch, Mike E. Tumbleson and Vijay Singh
Energies 2018, 11(11), 2921; https://doi.org/10.3390/en11112921 - 26 Oct 2018
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5566
Abstract
Conversion of corn fiber to ethanol in the dry grind process can increase ethanol yields, improve coproduct quality and contribute to process sustainability. This work investigates the use of two physio-chemical pretreatments on corn fiber and effect of cellulase enzyme dosage to improve [...] Read more.
Conversion of corn fiber to ethanol in the dry grind process can increase ethanol yields, improve coproduct quality and contribute to process sustainability. This work investigates the use of two physio-chemical pretreatments on corn fiber and effect of cellulase enzyme dosage to improve ethanol yields. Fiber separated after liquefaction of corn was pretreated using (I) hot water pretreatment (160 °C for 5, 10 or 20 min) and (II) wet disk milling and converted to ethanol. The conversion efficiencies of hot water pretreated fiber were higher than untreated fiber, with highest increase in conversion (10.4%) achieved for 5 min residence time at 160 °C. Disk milling was not effective in increasing conversion compared to other treatments. Hydrolysis and fermentation of untreated fiber with excess cellulase enzymes resulted in 33.3% higher conversion compared to untreated fiber. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biorefineries for the Production of Fuel)
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14 pages, 2551 KiB  
Article
Hydrothermal Carbonization of Peat Moss and Herbaceous Biomass (Miscanthus): A Potential Route for Bioenergy
by Poritosh Roy, Animesh Dutta and Jim Gallant
Energies 2018, 11(10), 2794; https://doi.org/10.3390/en11102794 - 17 Oct 2018
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4125
Abstract
Peat moss and miscanthus were hydrothermally carbonized (HTC) either individually or co-processed in a different ratio to produce hydrochar. The hydrochar and pelletized hydrochar were then characterized to determine if hydrochar can be used as an alternative to coal to produce bioenergy from [...] Read more.
Peat moss and miscanthus were hydrothermally carbonized (HTC) either individually or co-processed in a different ratio to produce hydrochar. The hydrochar and pelletized hydrochar were then characterized to determine if hydrochar can be used as an alternative to coal to produce bioenergy from existing coal-fired power plants in Ontario that have already been shut down. The properties of carbonized biomass (either hydrochar or pellets) reveal that fuel grade hydrochar can be produced from peat moss or from the blend of peat moss and miscanthus (agricultural biomass/energy crops). Hydrochar either produced from peat moss or from the blend of peat moss and miscanthus was observed to be hydrophobic and porous compared to raw peat moss or raw miscanthus. The combustion indices of carbonized biomass confirmed that it can be combusted or co-combusted to produce bioenergy and can avoid slagging, fouling, and agglomeration problems of the bioenergy industry. The results of this study revealed that HTC is a promising option for producing solid biofuel from undervalued biomass, especially from high moisture biomass. Co-processing of peat moss with rural biomass, a relatively novel idea which can be a potential solution to heat and power for the rural communities/agri-industry that are not connected with national grids and alleviate their waste management problems. In addition, the hydrochar can also be used to run some of the existing coal-fired power plants that have already been shut down in Ontario without interrupting investment and employment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biorefineries for the Production of Fuel)
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