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Advanced Bioenergy, Biomass and Waste Conversion Technologies

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2025) | Viewed by 11936

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Guest Editor
Department of Thermal Technology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Metal Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza 30 Av., 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Interests: bioenergy; biomass; waste; gasification; catalysts; catalytic gasification
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rapid climate change and increased greenhouse gas emissions, along with a parallel increase in urbanization, are globally recognized. Moreover, nowadays, there are significant reductions in the resources of exhaustible natural materials globally. For this reason, it is important to take firm steps to address resource needs while prioritizing the protection of the environment, as well as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generated waste. 

In order to achieve energy independence from fossil fuels, meet the requirements for renewable energy sources and the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions set by the European Union, substantial steps are required. The thermal processing of biomass and waste fuels is one of the answers to meet these needs.

Biomass was the main renewable energy source in 2019, as it allows for zero or even negative CO2 emissions and increases the share of renewable energy in the total energy consumption . Refuse-derived fuel is another energy source that can bring tangible benefits through its use and proper processing. However, it should be emphasized that, compared to fossil fuels, the energy density of renewable and waste fuels is significantly lower. 

This Special Issue aims to present topics related to the production of bioenergy through the conversion of biomass and waste through processes such as pyrolysis, gasification, liquefaction, torrefaction, hydrothermal carbonization, direct combustion, co-combustion, and the use and valorization of by-products and residues from all of the above processes, in line with the concept of circular economy. All types of original submissions, such as experimental and numerical studies or review papers summarizing the state of the art, are welcome.

Dr. Małgorzata Sieradzka
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biomass
  • char
  • refuse-derived fuel
  • waste management
  • circular economy
  • bioenergy
  • fuel characterization
  • sustainability
  • waste valorization
  • energy recovery
  • thermal conversion
  • torrefaction
  • pyrolysis
  • gasification
  • hydrothermal carbonization
  • combustion

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 3627 KiB  
Article
Nitrogen-Free Co-Gasification of Fermentation Residues
by Clemens Schmittmann, Felix Öffner and Peter Quicker
Energies 2025, 18(9), 2173; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18092173 - 24 Apr 2025
Viewed by 117
Abstract
The limited usage of fermentation residues, due to increasingly stringent legal requirements, demands novel routes of utilization for these feedstocks. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, a mixture of fermentation residues and wood chips is used as feedstock in [...] Read more.
The limited usage of fermentation residues, due to increasingly stringent legal requirements, demands novel routes of utilization for these feedstocks. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, a mixture of fermentation residues and wood chips is used as feedstock in a fixed-bed gasifier, using only O2/CO2 mixtures as gasifying agent. The maximum O2 concentration achieved was 31.6 Vol.-%. Pronounced process stability was achieved with a cold gas efficiency of about 94%, possibly due to CO2 conversion within the process. The heating value of the produced synthesis gas was 8.5 MJ/m3i.N.dry, with increased amounts of carbon monoxide and methane when compared to air-blown operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Bioenergy, Biomass and Waste Conversion Technologies)
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17 pages, 8140 KiB  
Article
Critical Extraction Parameters for Maximizing Oil Yield from Spent Coffee Grounds
by Ingryd Mayer Krinski, Vinícius Reisdorfer Leite, Luis Mauro Moura and Viviana Cocco Mariani
Energies 2025, 18(6), 1346; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18061346 - 10 Mar 2025
Viewed by 539
Abstract
Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, producing approximately 6 million tons of spent coffee grounds (SCG) annually, which are often discarded in landfills. SCG contains 12–16% dry basis oil, which can be recovered in various industrial processes, promoting a more [...] Read more.
Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, producing approximately 6 million tons of spent coffee grounds (SCG) annually, which are often discarded in landfills. SCG contains 12–16% dry basis oil, which can be recovered in various industrial processes, promoting a more circular and sustainable economy. The efficient reuse of SCG depends on the extraction methods employed. This study investigates the influence of key parameters—solvent type, extraction time, temperature, and particle size—on oil extraction, and evaluates the oil quality using FTIR. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also employed to observe microstructural changes in SCG before and after extraction with both polar and non-polar solvents. Four solvents were tested across different particle sizes. The highest oil yield, 14.57 ± 0.42%, was obtained using ethanol with SCG particle sizes between 250–425 µm, 8 h extraction time, and 60 °C. However, an extraction time of 240 min was found to be optimal, yielding 94% of the oil, making it more suitable for industrial applications. For methanol, diethyl ether, and hexane, the maximum oil yields were 8.46 ± 0.49%, 13.51 ± 0.49%, and 13.51 ± 0.15%, respectively. SEM results indicated that polar solvents were more effective at breaking down SCG and extracting oil. FTIR analysis identified characteristic bands typical of vegetable oils, with no indication of phospholipid contamination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Bioenergy, Biomass and Waste Conversion Technologies)
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16 pages, 1499 KiB  
Article
Exergy Assessment of the Allothermal Gasification of Maize Cobs in a Concentric Tube Fixed-Bed Reactor
by Jesús D. Rhenals-Julio, Jorge M. Mendoza, Andrés F. Jaramillo, Alexis Sagastume Gutiérrez and Antonio Bula Silvera
Energies 2025, 18(3), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18030606 - 28 Jan 2025
Viewed by 635
Abstract
An exergy analysis of maize cob gasification in a concentric tube fixed-bed reactor was conducted to define the relationship between biomass in the combustion and gasification zones. Biomass exergy was estimated based on its elemental composition, and syngas was treated as an ideal [...] Read more.
An exergy analysis of maize cob gasification in a concentric tube fixed-bed reactor was conducted to define the relationship between biomass in the combustion and gasification zones. Biomass exergy was estimated based on its elemental composition, and syngas was treated as an ideal gas. The results show a linear correlation between temperature and the mass ratio in both the combustion and gasification zones. The optimum exergy efficiency was 68.2% at a mass ratio of 2. Most irreversibilities were found in the combustion zone, with 42.9 kJ/kg destroyed, compared to 33.7 kJ/kg in the gasification zone. It is concluded that the allothermal gasification of biomass in two-zone gasifiers with concentric tubes improves the syngas LHV, demonstrating good reactor performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Bioenergy, Biomass and Waste Conversion Technologies)
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19 pages, 7115 KiB  
Article
Fallen Leaves as a Substrate for Biogas Production
by Agnieszka Wysocka-Czubaszek and Robert Czubaszek
Energies 2024, 17(23), 6038; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17236038 - 1 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1122
Abstract
Fallen leaves in cities are often treated as waste; therefore, they are collected, transported outside urban areas, and composted, which contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Instead of this conventional management approach, fallen leaves could be utilized as a feedstock in biogas production, [...] Read more.
Fallen leaves in cities are often treated as waste; therefore, they are collected, transported outside urban areas, and composted, which contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Instead of this conventional management approach, fallen leaves could be utilized as a feedstock in biogas production, helping to reduce GHG emissions, increase renewable energy generation, and provide fertilizer. The aim of this study was to compare the mono-digestion of fallen leaves from three tree species commonly found in parks and along streets—northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.), and Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.)—in both wet and dry anaerobic digestion (AD) systems. A biochemical methane potential (BMP) test was conducted in batch assays for each of the three substrates in both AD technologies at a temperature of 38 ± 1 °C. The highest specific methane yield (SMY) was obtained from Quercus leaves in wet AD technology, with a methane yield of 115.69 ± 4.11 NL kgVS−1. The lowest SMY (55.23 ± 3.36 NL kgVS−1) was observed during the dry AD of Tilia leaves. The type of technology had no significant impact on the SMY of Acer and Tilia leaves; however, the methane yield from Quercus leaves in wet AD was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that from dry AD. Studies on the use of fallen leaves from Tilia cordata, Quercus rubra, and Acer platanoides as substrates in mono-digestion technology have shown their limited suitability for biogas production. Nevertheless, this feedstock may be more effectively used as a co-substrate, mainly due to the low concentrations of ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the biogas produced from these leaves, both of which are considered inhibitors of the AD process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Bioenergy, Biomass and Waste Conversion Technologies)
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16 pages, 2198 KiB  
Article
Endomelanconiopsis endophytica Lipase Immobilized in Calcium Alginate for Production of Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oil
by Juliana Gisele Corrêa Rodrigues, Fernanda Veras Cardoso, Sergio Duvoisin Junior, Nélio Teixeira Machado and Patrícia Melchionna Albuquerque
Energies 2024, 17(22), 5520; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17225520 - 5 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1440
Abstract
The increasing global demand for biodiesel is due to the urgent need to replace fossil diesel with a fuel based on renewable energy sources. Although chemical catalysis is widely used to produce biodiesel, it uses harsh operating conditions, has high energy consumption, and [...] Read more.
The increasing global demand for biodiesel is due to the urgent need to replace fossil diesel with a fuel based on renewable energy sources. Although chemical catalysis is widely used to produce biodiesel, it uses harsh operating conditions, has high energy consumption, and generates unwanted byproducts. In this scenario, biocatalysis stands out as an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical catalysis. In biocatalysis, the use of immobilized enzymes plays an important role in the reduction in costs. In this sense, we investigated the use of the lipase produced by an Amazonian endophytic fungus in an immobilized form in the transesterification of waste cooking oil for biodiesel production. The fungus Endomelanconiopsis endophytica QAT_7AC demonstrated a high production of lipase. The lipolytic extract was precipitated in ethanol, which increased the specific enzyme activity. The lipolytic extract and the precipitated lipolytic extract were immobilized in calcium alginate beads. Immobilization efficiency was over 89%. The immobilized biocatalysts showed thermal stability and were used in the production of biodiesel using waste cooking oil and ethanol. It was possible to reuse them for up to four reaction cycles, with yields greater than 70%. These results prove the efficiency of immobilized biocatalysts in the production of biodiesel from waste oils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Bioenergy, Biomass and Waste Conversion Technologies)
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11 pages, 2294 KiB  
Article
CO2 Conversion by Oxygen-Enriched Gasification of Wood Chips
by Clemens Schmittmann and Peter Quicker
Energies 2024, 17(19), 5010; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17195010 - 9 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1134
Abstract
With increasing efforts to lower CO2 emissions globally, the demand for carbon-based resources in industries remains on a high level, leading to new technologies being able to provide those essential carbon sources. To the best of our knowledge, we were able to [...] Read more.
With increasing efforts to lower CO2 emissions globally, the demand for carbon-based resources in industries remains on a high level, leading to new technologies being able to provide those essential carbon sources. To the best of our knowledge, we were able to show for the first time the adaption of a readily available gasifier for the gasification of wood chips using only O2 (18.4–23.1 Vol.-%) and CO2 as gasification agents, creating a nitrogen-free product gas. It was found that the setup used was able to convert up to 27.2% of the CO2 from the gasification agent to CO, creating a promising route for the production of renewable carbon sources for future carbon-based applications. Furthermore, no decrease in gasification performance was observed as the cold gas efficiency was at 83.5–95.5% with only minor formation of tar. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Bioenergy, Biomass and Waste Conversion Technologies)
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13 pages, 5367 KiB  
Article
Eco-Friendly Polyurethane Foams Enriched with Waste from the Food and Energy Industries
by Patrycja Zakrzewska, Beata Zygmunt-Kowalska, Monika Kuźnia, Dorota Głowacz-Czerwonka, Mariusz Oleksy and Małgorzata Sieradzka
Energies 2024, 17(15), 3829; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17153829 - 2 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 986
Abstract
In recent years, there has been considerable focus on ensuring that energy is used in the most efficient manner possible. This is due to the fact that globally, over 70% of energy is generated from fossil fuels. Consequently, the matter of designing and [...] Read more.
In recent years, there has been considerable focus on ensuring that energy is used in the most efficient manner possible. This is due to the fact that globally, over 70% of energy is generated from fossil fuels. Consequently, the matter of designing and utilizing materials that will negate energy losses within the construction industry is of paramount importance. Simultaneously, the necessity for a sustainable approach to the design and production of materials is strongly emphasized. This paper presents an innovative approach to the use of a combination of mineral and plant-based fillers in polyurethane foam technology as a thermal insulation material with the potential to be used in construction to reduce energy consumption. Polyurethane composites containing fly ash from biomass combustion and the addition of rice, sunflower, and buckwheat husks as plant fillers were proposed. The structure of the obtained materials was studied, and the most important physical properties were analyzed. These included apparent density, dimensional stability, water absorption, and the effects of UV radiation and water influence on the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen content. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the materials were investigated, including compressive strength and brittleness. Additionally, the foams were subjected to flammability tests using a cone calorimeter. Furthermore, additional parameters were determined, including the limiting oxygen index and the vertical and horizontal flammability tests. The results demonstrate the beneficial effects of combining mineral and vegetable fillers in polyurethane foam. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Bioenergy, Biomass and Waste Conversion Technologies)
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12 pages, 4364 KiB  
Article
Efficient Biovalorization of Oil Palm Trunk Waste as a Low-Cost Nutrient Source for Bioethanol Production
by Asma Billateh and Benjamas Cheirsilp
Energies 2024, 17(13), 3217; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17133217 - 30 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1330
Abstract
This study aimed to efficiently utilize felled oil palm trunk (OPT) for bioethanol and lactic acid production. OPT was separated into two fractions: oil palm sap (OPS) and OPT fiber. OPS contained substantial amounts of sugars (38–40 g/L) and nitrogen (0.60–0.70 g/L), which [...] Read more.
This study aimed to efficiently utilize felled oil palm trunk (OPT) for bioethanol and lactic acid production. OPT was separated into two fractions: oil palm sap (OPS) and OPT fiber. OPS contained substantial amounts of sugars (38–40 g/L) and nitrogen (0.60–0.70 g/L), which can serve as a base medium for bioethanol production. As bioethanol production requires high sugar concentrations, OPS was concentrated, supplemented with OPT fiber, and used for bioethanol production through simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Repeated-batch SSF for five cycles efficiently utilized OPT fiber and achieved an average ethanol production of 35–42 g/L in each cycle. To increase the accessibility of the enzyme, OPT fiber was acid-pretreated prior to the SSF process. The combined use of acid-pretreated OPT slurry and concentrated OPS provided the maximum ethanol production of 49.63 ± 1.05 g/L. The fermented broth after ethanol recovery, containing mainly xylose, was used to produce lactic acid at a concentration of 18.85 ± 0.55 g/L. These strategies can greatly contribute to the zero-waste biorefinery of OPT and may also be applicable for the efficient biovalorization of other similar agricultural wastes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Bioenergy, Biomass and Waste Conversion Technologies)
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25 pages, 3408 KiB  
Article
Upgrading/Deacidification of Bio-Oils by Liquid–Liquid Extraction Using Aqueous Methanol as a Solvent
by Nélio Teixeira Machado, Silvio Alex Pereira da Mota, Raquel Ana Capela Leão, Rodrigo Octavio Mendonça Alves de Souza, Sergio Duvoisin Junior, Luiz Eduardo Pizarro Borges and Andréia de Andrade Mancio da Mota
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2713; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112713 - 3 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1446
Abstract
Oxygenated compounds such as acids in bio-oils (BO) have been related to the corrosion of metals and their storage instability when applied as fuels. Therefore, upgrading BO by removing acids (deacidification) can be a valuable technique to reduce corrosivity using specific separation processes. [...] Read more.
Oxygenated compounds such as acids in bio-oils (BO) have been related to the corrosion of metals and their storage instability when applied as fuels. Therefore, upgrading BO by removing acids (deacidification) can be a valuable technique to reduce corrosivity using specific separation processes. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the effect of the water content in the solvent (aqueous methanol), the carboxylic acid content in the BO and extraction temperature on the deacidification process by liquid–liquid extraction (LLE), as well as the effect of the same parameters on the quality of the deacidified BO through physical–chemical and GC-MS analyses. The results show that an increase in the water content (5 to 25%) in the solvent and an increase in the carboxylic acids content (24.38 to 51.56 mg KOH/g) in the BO reduce the solvent’s capacity to extract carboxylic acids while increasing the temperature (25 to 35 °C) of the deacidification process promoted an increase in its capacity to remove them. Consequently, the highest deacidification efficiency (72.65%) is achieved with 5% water in methanol at 25 °C for BO1 (TAN = 24.38 mg KOH/g). Therefore, the deacidification process through LLE using aqueous methanol contributed significantly to BO upgrading. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Bioenergy, Biomass and Waste Conversion Technologies)
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Review

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14 pages, 518 KiB  
Review
Biofuel Production from Phytoremediated Biomass via Various Conversion Routes: A Review
by Chengjia Bao, Yi Cao, Long Zhao, Xiaojuan Li, Jing Zhang and Chunlan Mao
Energies 2025, 18(4), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18040822 - 10 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 759
Abstract
Phytoremediation is recognized as a highly cost-effective technique for remediating soils contaminated with heavy metals (HMs). Biomass residues from these remediated plants constitute a significant resource with considerable potential for biofuel conversion. However, the potential of these residues for biofuel production has not [...] Read more.
Phytoremediation is recognized as a highly cost-effective technique for remediating soils contaminated with heavy metals (HMs). Biomass residues from these remediated plants constitute a significant resource with considerable potential for biofuel conversion. However, the potential of these residues for biofuel production has not been extensively reviewed. This review aims to comprehensively review the recent progress in converting phytoremediated biomass into biofuels via various pathways. Methods for the disposal and biofuel conversion of residual phytoremediated biomass are summarized. The advantages and limitations of the different techniques are discussed and compared. These residues can be converted into gaseous (biogas/methane), liquid (biodiesel, bioethanol, and bio-oil), or solid energy forms (biochar, hydrochar). The conversion methods reviewed include anaerobic digestion, nanomaterial synthesis, incineration, gasification, and pyrolysis. HMs such as copper, cadmium, and zinc significantly influence these processes, enhancing them at lower concentrations but inhibiting them at higher concentrations. However, these conversion routes often involve high costs and complex operational conditions, and are typically limited to laboratory-scale, short-term trials. Therefore, there is an urgent need for multi-objective strategies that consider economic factors, viability, scalability, and environmental sustainability through sustainable pathways. Proper treatment of phytoremediated biomass with energy recovery presents an economically viable and environmentally sustainable solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Bioenergy, Biomass and Waste Conversion Technologies)
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32 pages, 2369 KiB  
Review
Insights into Biohydrogen Production Through Dark Fermentation of Food Waste: Substrate Properties, Inocula, and Pretreatment Strategies
by Djangbadjoa Gbiete, Satyanarayana Narra, Damgou Mani Kongnine, Mona-Maria Narra and Michael Nelles
Energies 2024, 17(24), 6350; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17246350 - 17 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1723
Abstract
The growing population and economic expansion have led to increased energy demand while presenting complex waste generation and management challenges, particularly in light of climate change. Green hydrogen, which is considered a major clean energy carrier, can also be generated from food waste [...] Read more.
The growing population and economic expansion have led to increased energy demand while presenting complex waste generation and management challenges, particularly in light of climate change. Green hydrogen, which is considered a major clean energy carrier, can also be generated from food waste through a process known as dark fermentation. The production of dark fermentative hydrogen from food waste and biomass residues, in general, is influenced by the type of feedstock, source of inoculum, and their pretreatment and handling strategies. Food waste is a suitable substrate for dark fermentation and has a variable and complex composition, which is a major factor limiting the hydrogen yield. This review critically assesses food waste sources, focusing on their physical and chemical composition, pretreatment methods, and strategies for optimizing dark fermentative hydrogen production. This paper also highlights and critically discusses various inoculum sources and innovations regarding the pretreatment and enrichment applications of inocula for dark fermentative hydrogen production. Based on the literature analysis, advanced research is required to develop more sustainable and specific pretreatment strategies that consider the properties of food waste and the source of the inoculum. This approach will aid in preventing inhibition and inefficiency during the dark fermentation process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Bioenergy, Biomass and Waste Conversion Technologies)
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