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Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization
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Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Chemical Processes and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 January 2025) | Viewed by 6248

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Luiz Pereira Ramos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil
Interests: advances in bio-polymer materials; wood and carbohydrate chemistry; sustainable oxygenated and non-oxygenated biofuels, such as hydrogen, biogas, ethanol, biodiesel, green diesel, and sustainable aviation fuels; furan compounds from industrially available carbohydrate sources; biomass fractionation using advanced pretreatment technologies; heterogeneous catalysis; biorefineries
Prof. Dr. Marcos Lúcio Corazza

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil
Interests: process modeling and optimization; biorefineries; thermodynamics; phase equilibria; biofuels; supercritical fluids

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are currently running a Special Issue entitled “Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization”, which seems to match your research interests. Thus, we cordially invite you to publish your relevant latest research in this Special Issue, either as a critical review or a research article. Based on your expertise and your recent publications, we believe that you would make a strong contribution to the technical content of our Special Issue.

This Special Issue will be dedicated to processes in biofuel production and biomass valorization, involving the following topics, among other possibilities: sustainable oxygenated and non-oxygenated biofuels, such as hydrogen, biogas, ethanol, biodiesel, green diesel, and sustainable aviation fuels; advanced biobased polymeric materials; furan derivatives from industrially available carbohydrate sources; biomass fractionation using advanced pretreatment technologies; bioprocess development and optimization; heterogeneous catalysis applied to biomass conversion; biorefineries.

We look forward to receiving your valuable contribution.

Prof. Dr. Luiz Pereira Ramos
Prof. Dr. Marcos Lúcio Corazza
Guest Editors

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. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2400 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

  • biofuels
  • biorefinery
  • sustainable processes
  • biomass conversion
  • process modeling and optimization
  • synthetic fuels
  • hydrogen
  • biobased chemicals
  • sustainable fuel additives

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 10710 KiB  
Article
Esterification of Glycerol and Rosin Catalyzed by Irganox 1425: A Kinetic Comparison to the Thermal Process
by Jorge García Montalvo, Natalia Robles-Anda, Felix García-Ochoa, M. Esther Gallardo and Miguel Ladero
Processes 2025, 13(4), 1096; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041096 - 5 Apr 2025
Viewed by 342
Abstract
Rosin is a biomass-based chemical raw material employed in multiple industries: paper, polymers, coatings, adhesives, and more, while glycerol production has experienced a notable increment in recent decades due to it being an unavoidable by-product of the biodiesel industry. Rosin polyol esters are [...] Read more.
Rosin is a biomass-based chemical raw material employed in multiple industries: paper, polymers, coatings, adhesives, and more, while glycerol production has experienced a notable increment in recent decades due to it being an unavoidable by-product of the biodiesel industry. Rosin polyol esters are of high interest, and a potential route for the valorization of glycerol. In this work, we compare in detail the esterification routes of rosin triglycerides via classical, industrial thermal processes at 260–280 °C and similar processes catalyzed by Irganox 1425, a high-molecular-weight, multifunctional, phenolic, primary antioxidant produced by BASF and usually in rosin processes. Its chemical name is calcium bis(ethyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate). To this end, a novel RP-HPLC method provided us with a detailed description of the compositional evolution of the reacting media. These data have been the basis of a non-linear kinetic modeling procedure where we applied non-linear regression and numerical integration algorithms to determine the network of chemical reactions and the kinetic model of the rosin–glycerol esterification process. Furthermore, the comparison of such kinetic models and their parameters allows us to understand the kinetic effect of the addition of the homogeneous catalyst. The effect of Irganox 1425 results in a notable enhancement of the reaction rates, thus allowing for operation at lower temperatures and a reduction in side reactions as decarboxylation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization)
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30 pages, 5789 KiB  
Article
Fischer–Tropsch Biofuel Production from Supercritical Water Gasification of Lignocellulosic Biomass: Process Modelling and Life-Cycle Assessment
by Dimitrios Katsourinis, Dimitrios Giannopoulos and Maria Founti
Processes 2025, 13(3), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030895 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 352
Abstract
The production of Fischer–Tropsch liquid biofuels from the supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of lignocellulosic biomass is energetically and environmentally assessed by coupling process modelling with Life-Cycle Assessment. A conceptual process model has been developed comprising the following stages: (a) the thermochemical conversion of [...] Read more.
The production of Fischer–Tropsch liquid biofuels from the supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of lignocellulosic biomass is energetically and environmentally assessed by coupling process modelling with Life-Cycle Assessment. A conceptual process model has been developed comprising the following stages: (a) the thermochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass in a supercritical water gasification (SCWG) reactor, (b) syngas upgrade through dry reforming (DRR), (c) liquid biofuel production from Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) and (d) FT product upgrade and refinement, so that diesel-like (FT—Diesel), gasoline-like (FT—Gasoline), and jet fuel-like (FT Jet Fuel) yields are predicted. Parametric studies have been performed, highlighting the effect of biomass concentration and SCWG temperature on end-product yields. Furthermore, alternative scenarios have been examined with respect to: (a) maximizing FT liquid biofuel yields and (b) minimizing heat requirements to potentially achieve a thermally self-sustained process. The results of the simulated process, including liquid biofuel yield and heat-demand predictions, are used as inputs in the inventories compiled for the Life-Cycle Assessment of the overall process. Agricultural and feedstock transportation stages have also been considered. Energetic and environmental benefits and challenges are highlighted through the quantification of Global Warming Potential (GWP), while special importance is assigned to following the REDII sustainability methodology and reference data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization)
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16 pages, 1905 KiB  
Article
Pre-Commercial Demonstration of a Photosynthetic Upgrading Plant: Investment and Operating Cost Analysis
by César Ruiz Palomar, Alfonso García Álvaro, Raúl Muñoz, Carlos Repáraz, Marcelo F. Ortega and Ignacio de Godos
Processes 2024, 12(12), 2794; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12122794 - 7 Dec 2024
Viewed by 886
Abstract
Pig farms have been identified as one of the most important sources of greenhouse gas emissions. This study demonstrates the production of vehicle biomethane in a demonstration prototype plant based on photosynthetic upgrading technology, where the CO2 and H2S present [...] Read more.
Pig farms have been identified as one of the most important sources of greenhouse gas emissions. This study demonstrates the production of vehicle biomethane in a demonstration prototype plant based on photosynthetic upgrading technology, where the CO2 and H2S present in biogas are consumed by a microalgae culture. The information collected during the prototype construction allowed for an assessment of the capital and operating costs of this novel biogas upgrading technology with other conventional systems. With this objective, the costs of the equipment comprising the biogas cleaning and purification system were calculated considering a biogas flow rate of 5 m3 h−1, corresponding to a small–medium biogas plant and an average pig farm size. The sustainability and competitiveness of the algae upgrading system and the low capital and operating costs vis à vis other upgrading technologies were proven. With a net energy production of 687 kWh day−1 and an annual profit of €30,348 in a 3500 head pig farm, this technology can be easily installed in livestock farms, increasing the benefits and reducing the carbon footprint. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization)
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14 pages, 10606 KiB  
Article
Nickel-Stage Addition in Si-MCM-41 Synthesis for Renewable Hydrogen Production
by Lígia Gomes Oliveira, Cleuciane Tillvitz do Nascimento, Bárbara Bulhões Cazula, Anabelle Tait, Carlos de Jesus de Oliveira, Guilherme Emanuel Queiros Souza, Lázaro José Gasparrini, Áquila de Oliveira Alencar, Gabriela Ritter, Natália Neumann Jorge and Helton José Alves
Processes 2024, 12(9), 1836; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12091836 - 29 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1054
Abstract
Among the countless routes for renewable hydrogen (H2) production, Biogas Dry Reforming (DR) has been highlighted as one of the most promising for the circular bio-economy sector. However, DR requires high operating temperatures (700 °C–900 °C), and, for greater efficiency, a [...] Read more.
Among the countless routes for renewable hydrogen (H2) production, Biogas Dry Reforming (DR) has been highlighted as one of the most promising for the circular bio-economy sector. However, DR requires high operating temperatures (700 °C–900 °C), and, for greater efficiency, a thermally stable catalyst is necessary, being, above all, resistant to coke formation, sintering, and sulfur poisoning. Mesoporous metallic catalysts, such as nickel (Ni) supported on silica, stand out due to their high catalytic activity concerning such characteristics. In this regard, the presented work evaluated the influences of the nickel addition stage during the synthesis of mesoporous catalyst type Si-MCM-41. Two different catalysts were prepared: catalyst A (Ni/Si-MCM-41_A), synthesized through the in situ addition of the precursor salt of nickel (Ni(Ni(NO3)2·6H2O) before the addition of TEOS (Tetraethyl orthosilicate) and after the addition of the directing agent; and catalyst B (Ni/Si-MCM-41_B), resulting from the addition of the precursor salt after the TEOS, following the conventional methodology, by wet impregnation in situ. The results evidenced that the metal addition stage has a direct influence on the mesoporous structure. However, no significant influence was observed on the efficiency concerning BDR, and the conversions into H2 were 97% and 96% for the Ni/SiMCM-41_A and Ni/Si-MCM-41_B catalysts, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization)
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15 pages, 7238 KiB  
Article
Effect of Support on Steam Reforming of Ethanol for H2 Production with Copper-Based Catalysts
by Ramiro Picoli Nippes, Paula Derksen Macruz, Aline Domingues Gomes, Marcos de Souza, Bruna Rodrigues Ferreira, Roberta Carolina Pelissari Rizzo-Domingues and Luiz Pereira Ramos
Processes 2024, 12(7), 1331; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12071331 - 27 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1273
Abstract
Catalytic studies hydrogen production via steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) are essential for process optimization. Likewise, selecting the ideal support for the active phase can be critical to achieve high conversion rates during the catalytic steam reforming process. In this work, copper-based catalysts [...] Read more.
Catalytic studies hydrogen production via steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) are essential for process optimization. Likewise, selecting the ideal support for the active phase can be critical to achieve high conversion rates during the catalytic steam reforming process. In this work, copper-based catalysts were synthesized using two different supports, NaY zeolite and Nb2O5/Al2O3 mixed oxides. The materials were prepared using wet impregnation and characterized for their physicochemical properties using different analytical techniques. Differences in the catalyst morphologies were readily attributed to the characteristics of the support. The Cu/NaY catalyst exhibited a higher specific surface area (210.40 m2 g−1) compared to the Cu/Nb2O5/Al2O3 catalyst (26.00 m2 g−1), resulting in a homogeneous metal dispersion over the support surface. The obtained results showed that, at 300 °C, both the Cu/Nb2O5/Al2O3 and Cu/NaY catalysts produced approximately 50% hydrogen and 40% acetaldehyde, but with significant differences in conversion (6% and 56%, respectively). At 450 °C, a greater product distribution and a 10% higher conversion were observed when the catalyst was supported on NaY compared to Nb2O5/Al2O3. Hence, the performance of copper-based catalysts was influenced significantly by the textural properties of the support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization)
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26 pages, 3462 KiB  
Article
The Physicochemical Basis for the Production of Rapeseed Oil Fatty Acid Esters in a Plug Flow Reactor
by Sofia M. Kosolapova, Makar S. Smal, Igor N. Pyagay and Viacheslav A. Rudko
Processes 2024, 12(4), 788; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12040788 - 14 Apr 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1687
Abstract
This article describes the results of a comprehensive comparative study of the production of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) for use as biodiesel in perfect mixing reactors (PMRs) and plug flow reactors (PFRs). The products obtained on a laboratory scale at all stages [...] Read more.
This article describes the results of a comprehensive comparative study of the production of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) for use as biodiesel in perfect mixing reactors (PMRs) and plug flow reactors (PFRs). The products obtained on a laboratory scale at all stages of the separation and purification of the FAEE phase were analyzed using the FTIR, XRF and GC-MS methods. We compared distillation methods for the separation of stoichiometrically excessive ethanol from the reaction mixture. Neutralization methods with H2SO4 solution and carbonation with CO2 were applied for FAEE phase purification from the catalyst. Emulsions formed during the water flushing stage were analyzed via the optical microscopy method. The optimal conditions of stirring speed and temperature were selected to maintain a high level of FAEE–water phase contact area with minimum phase separation time. The efficiency of the carbonation method for catalyst neutralization in the FAEE phase has been proven, allowing us to consider this method as an alternative to the traditional acid neutralization method. According to the results of experimental studies, we have developed a new high-performance technological scheme for the production of fatty acid esters in PFRs. The synthesis of FAEEs in a stoichiometric excess of ethanol of about 1:50 allowed us to increase the reaction rate and productivity of the synthesis unit after the transition from a PMR to a PFR. The yield of the product amounted to 86.7%. The purified FAEE fraction complied with most EN14214 specifications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization)
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