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Biomass to Liquid Fuels
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Biomass to Liquid Fuels

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 September 2025 | Viewed by 3515

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Wenzhi Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Interests: biomass component separation; biomass conversion into liquid fuels; catalytic oxidation of methane

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of the economy and society requires the consumption of a vast quantity of liquid fuels. At present, these are primarily prepared from fossil fuels, but the extraction, processing and use of fossil fuels results in carbon emissions and enhances greenhouse effects. Biomass is the only renewable resource containing carbon that can be converted into liquid fuels through different routes and whose clean utilization can effectively reduce carbon emissions. However, the stable structure of biomass (mainly composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) makes its efficient conversion extremely challenging.

This Special Issue aims to present and disseminate the most recent advances related to theoretical research, conversion strategies, reaction system optimization and catalyst design, etc., in the field of biomass conversion into liquid fuels.

Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to:

  1. Biomass gasification integrated Fischer–Tropsch synthesis to produce liquid fuels;
  2. Biomass pyrolysis to produce liquid fuels;
  3. Biomass conversion to liquid fuel in liquid phase system;
  4. Life cycle assessment of biomass conversion to liquid fuels;
  5. Smart practices and technologies for the production of liquid fuels derived from biomass;
  6. New insights from different disciplines for the production of liquid fuels derived from biomass;
  7. Simulation of process of biomass conversion to liquid fuels;
  8. Sustainable liquid fuels production by thermocatalytic conversion.

Prof. Dr. Wenzhi Li
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomass conversion
  • liquid fuels
  • biomass gasification
  • biomass pyrolysis
  • biomass catalytic depolymerization

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 2074 KiB  
Article
Valorization of Forest Biomass Through Pyrolysis: A Study on the Energy Potential of Wood Tars
by Jakub Brózdowski, Magdalena Witczak, Klaudia Sikorska, Izabela Ratajczak, Magdalena Woźniak, Monika Bartkowiak, Grzegorz Cofta, Grażyna B. Dąbrowska and Magdalena Zborowska
Energies 2025, 18(5), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18051113 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 467
Abstract
Forest biomass is a renewable source of environmentally friendly material—wood. However, wood processing generates large amounts of by-products, including branches. These byproducts are often used as firewood; however, they can be used much more effectively. In this study, the pyrolysis of two woods, [...] Read more.
Forest biomass is a renewable source of environmentally friendly material—wood. However, wood processing generates large amounts of by-products, including branches. These byproducts are often used as firewood; however, they can be used much more effectively. In this study, the pyrolysis of two woods, namely birch and pine, was proposed. The liquid products of pyrolysis were studied by FTIR spectroscopy, and the heating value of these products was evaluated. In order to find the optimal pyrolysis temperature from the point of view of the calorific value of the product, the process was carried out at four temperatures: 450, 500, 550, and 600 °C. The liquid product yielded three fractions, from which two were analyzed, namely the dense tar fraction and light liquid fraction. FTIR analysis results clearly demonstrated that samples from different fractions differ from one another, yet the results within the same fraction are remarkably similar. The tar fraction was characterized with a higher gross calorific value between 42 to 50 MJ/kg, while the liquid fraction gross calorific value was between 29 and 39 MJ/kg; in general, pine wood yielded products with higher calorific values. The pyrolysis of small wood industry by-products is an interesting method of utilization, yielding not only a liquid product with good calorific properties, but also a solid product, namely biochar, which may be used in carbon storage or used as a soil amendment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass to Liquid Fuels)
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30 pages, 5107 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study and Reaction Pathway Analysis of Solvothermal Directional Conversion of Pyrolysis Crude Oil to Liquid Fuel
by Qi Wei, Zhongyang Luo, Qian Qian, Jingkang Shi and Feiting Miao
Energies 2025, 18(4), 981; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18040981 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 379
Abstract
The high viscosity and oxygen content of pyrolysis crude oil hinder the advancement of pyrolysis technology. To address the issue, this study conducted hydrodeoxygenation upgrading experiments on pyrolysis crude oil using hydrothermal directional conversion. A variable analysis was performed to assess the differences [...] Read more.
The high viscosity and oxygen content of pyrolysis crude oil hinder the advancement of pyrolysis technology. To address the issue, this study conducted hydrodeoxygenation upgrading experiments on pyrolysis crude oil using hydrothermal directional conversion. A variable analysis was performed to assess the differences in upgrading effects based on the active metal (Ru, Pt) and the supports (activated carbon, Nb2O5, MgO) of the supported catalyst, and further investigations were conducted on the catalyst with bimetallic doping modification. Optimal reaction conditions were determined by adjusting the reaction temperature. Additionally, directional conversion studies of model compounds were carried out to elucidate the reaction pathway. The results indicated that the Pt/MgO catalyst achieved the highest yield of stable and combustible compounds (hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, esters, and ketones), with a yield of 17.8 wt%. Upon modification with Ni doping, the yield increased by 49.5%. The upgrading effect improved with an increase in reaction temperature, and the yield of target compounds was 26.7 wt% at 290 °C, with an energy conversion rate of 72.6% and a selectivity of 75.8%. Moreover, the physicochemical properties of the upgraded oil were similar to those of ethanol. All three model compounds underwent 100% conversion. This study provides both experimental support and a theoretical foundation for the further development of biomass conversion technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass to Liquid Fuels)
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16 pages, 3798 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Cellulose Recovery Using Deep Eutectic Solvent Fractionation: A Response Surface Method Approach
by Nopparat Suriyachai, Punjarat Khongchamnan, Navadol Laosiripojana, Torpong Kreetachat, Surachai Wongcharee, Chainarong Sakulthaew, Chanat Chokejaroenrat and Saksit Imman
Energies 2024, 17(17), 4257; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17174257 - 26 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1293
Abstract
Lignocellulosic biomass is a crucial renewable energy source for producing biofuels and valuable compounds, making it an attractive alternative to fossil resources. In this study, an environmentally friendly method was developed for cellulose fractionation from sugarcane bagasse using deep eutectic solvents (DESs), focusing [...] Read more.
Lignocellulosic biomass is a crucial renewable energy source for producing biofuels and valuable compounds, making it an attractive alternative to fossil resources. In this study, an environmentally friendly method was developed for cellulose fractionation from sugarcane bagasse using deep eutectic solvents (DESs), focusing on achieving high cellulose purity and specific physicochemical properties. The effects of different parameters were investigated by comparing four DESs: choline chloride–lactic acid (ChCl-LA), choline chloride–glycerol (ChCl-G), choline chloride–urea (ChCl-U), and choline chloride–polyalcohol (ChCl-P), under various reaction temperatures and times. The fractionation process was conducted under standard conditions at a temperature of 100 °C for 120 min with a 1:1 molar ratio. The results indicated that all DESs produced comparable cellulose recovery, ranging from 91.83% to 97.07%. A relatively high cellulose recovery was observed in the presence of ChCl-LA, at 95.47%. In addition, ChCl-LA demonstrated the highest efficiency in removing hemicellulose and lignin, at 95.36% and 93.38%, respectively, and high recovery yields of 70.45% for hemicellulose, and 70.66% for the lignin fraction. The fractionation conditions were further optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), achieving a ChCl-LA ratio of 1:2 v/v at 120 °C for 120 min. This resulted in impressive yields: 97.86% cellulose recovery, 96.50% hemicellulose removal, 74.40% hemicellulose recovery, 77.3% lignin recovery, and 71.5% lignin yield from sugarcane bagasse. These results closely match the predicted values, emphasizing the effectiveness of the process and its potential for economic application in lignocellulosic biorefinery operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass to Liquid Fuels)
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Review

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41 pages, 6321 KiB  
Review
The Catalytic Valorization of Lignin from Biomass for the Production of Liquid Fuels
by Chenchen Gui, Lida Wang, Guoshun Liu, Ajibola T. Ogunbiyi and Wenzhi Li
Energies 2025, 18(6), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18061478 - 17 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 401
Abstract
With the overuse of fossil fuels, people are looking for alternatives. This is an area where biofuels have received a lot of attention. Studies have also shown that a large variety of liquid fuels of commercial interest can be obtained via lignin valorization. [...] Read more.
With the overuse of fossil fuels, people are looking for alternatives. This is an area where biofuels have received a lot of attention. Studies have also shown that a large variety of liquid fuels of commercial interest can be obtained via lignin valorization. Lignin is rich in aromatic ring structures and can be used as a sustainable raw material to produce high-value energy. Therefore, progress in the preparation of liquid fuels from lignin by pyrolysis, hydro-processing, and oxidation is analyzed in this review. Nevertheless, due to the three-dimension network structure of lignin, there are many barriers that need to be surmounted before utilizing it, such as its complex connection with cellulose and hemicellulose, which makes its separation difficult. In this paper, different pretreatment methods are summarized for separating lignin from other two components. Finally, the challenges in future trends of lignin valorization are summarized and outlined. It is clear that the construction of efficient separation and catalytic systems will be the focus of future research in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass to Liquid Fuels)
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