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Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Molecules will cover various topics such as the characterization of lignocellulosic biomass, advanced enzymatic saccharification, fermentation, biofuel production (bioethanol, biohydrogen, biodiesel, bio-oil, biochar), environmentally friendly pretreatment methods, new biomaterials and bioplastics, value-added chemicals, and polymeric materials. This Special Issue will present the newest research trends in the field of lignocellulosic biomass use as a potential raw material for transformation into valuable products: energy and innovative lignocellulisic-based materials. Topics may include, but are not limited to, bioplastics, biomaterials, new biofuels, biochar production from lignocellulosic biomass, value-added fuels and chemicals, different pretreatment methods (physical, chemical, biological, physico-chemical), consolidated bioprocessing technology, microbial co-culture systems, biomass pyrolysis, etc.

Dr. Lacrimioara Senila
Guest Editor

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17 pages, 3952 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Vine Shoot Waste and Its Derived Ash on the Properties of Cement Composites

by Daniela Alexandra Scurtu, Erika Andrea Levei, Eniko Kovacs, Lacrimioara Senila, Oana Cadar, Dorina Simedru, Cecilia Roman, Xenia Filip and Leontin David

Molecules 2025, 30(23), 4560; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30234560 - 26 Nov 2025

Viewed by 219

Abstract

The valorization of agricultural byproducts plays a critical role in advancing the circular economy. Vine cultivation produces significant amounts of biomass waste throughout the year, posing environmental challenges if left unmanaged. This study investigates the potential reuse of vine shoot waste and its derived ash as alternative components in cement-based materials. The properties of the composites containing 1% vine shoot waste or its derived ash incorporated in cement paste were comparatively assessed with those of cement paste prepared from Portland cement based on the Fourier-transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopy images, EDX elemental maps, and solid-state ²⁷Al and ²⁹Si nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and thermal analysis. Mechanical performance was assessed through flexural and compressive strength tests. The results confirm the potential of vine shoot waste use as a sustainable additive in cementitious materials and its contribution to reducing the environmental footprint of the cement industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Lignocellulosic Biomass)

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18 pages, 1975 KB

Open AccessArticle

Solvent-Assisted Vapor Condensation: A Strategy to Enhance Bio-Oil Yield and Quality from the Pyrolysis of Agro-Industrial Waste

by Jelena Isailović, Emilija Vukićević, Jan Schwarzbauer, Steva Lević, Mališa Antić, Ilija Brčeski, Branimir Jovančićević and Vesna Antić

Molecules 2025, 30(19), 3945; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30193945 - 1 Oct 2025

Viewed by 652

Abstract

The paper presents the effect of an organic solvent on the efficiency of vapor condensation from pyrolysis processes applied to agricultural waste, with the intention of optimizing the trapping procedure for more volatile components. Therefore, the effect of the use of acetone in the vapor trapping system on the yield and composition of liquid fractions (bio-oils) obtained from the pyrolysis of selected agricultural waste, including corn, tomato, and tobacco, was investigated. The focus was placed on evaluating how solvents influence the quality, yield, and composition of bio-oil, as well as whether they are necessary in the pyrolysis process. Acetone, a polar solvent with low human toxicity and the possibility of regeneration after pyrolysis, was selected for bio-oil condensation due to its effectiveness in dissolving polar compounds formed during the pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. Pyrolysis was conducted at 400 and 500 °C for 30 min, to collect light and heavy fractions, which were subsequently analyzed to assess acetone’s influence. The results showed that acetone positively affected corn bio-oil yield (from 44.57% without acetone to 52.13% with acetone) and improved quality by reducing moisture (from 61.82% to 12.83%) and oxygen content (from 86.50% to 47.10%). An increase in calorific value was also observed in both corn varieties, while the effect was minimal in tobacco and nearly negligible in tomato. The obtained parameter values indicated that satisfactory results can also be achieved without the use of a solvent, representing a step toward simplified pyrolysis. GC-MS analysis confirmed that phenols and their derivatives were the dominant compounds, while FTIR analysis verified the presence of functional groups of the identified compounds. Increasing the temperature generally increased both the yield and calorific value of most samples. Light and heavy fractions were separated during condensation to improve collection efficiency and enable better quality control. Although this step adds complexity and potential contamination risks, it allows more effective utilization of the fractions. These results provide a valuable foundation for optimizing the valorization of agricultural waste through pyrolysis-based biofuel production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Lignocellulosic Biomass)

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