Advances in Biomass Fuel: Production, Upgrading, and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Bio-oils derived from biomass represent a promising renewable energy alternative, offering a sustainable pathway to reduce fossil fuel dependence and decarbonize key sectors. However, their widespread adoption hinges on overcoming challenges in feedstock variability, conversion efficiency, fuel stability, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. This Special Issue invites scholars to submit cutting-edge research in order to advance the science, technology, and policy frameworks to the degree that can unlock the full potential of bio-oils.

We welcome original research articles and reviews addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

Feedstock Innovation: Selection, pretreatment, and sustainability of biomass resources (e.g., agricultural residues, algae, waste).

Conversion Technologies: Advances in pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, transesterification, and hybrid processes.

Upgrading Strategies: Catalytic hydrotreatment, emulsification, and novel pathways to improve bio-oil quality (e.g., stability, heating value).

Fuel Characterization and Applications: Physicochemical properties, combustion behavior, and engine performance of bio-oils.

Sustainability and Scalability: Lifecycle assessments (LCA), techno-economic analyses, and policy drivers for commercialization.

Environmental Impacts: Emissions reduction, carbon footprint, and circular economy integration.

This Issue aims to bridge fundamental research with real-world applications, highlighting scalable solutions and cross-disciplinary innovations. Submissions addressing efficiency optimization, system integration, or market-ready technologies are particularly encouraged.

By sharing your expertise, you will contribute to a global knowledge base accelerating the transition toward sustainable energy systems. We look forward to receiving your high-quality submissions!

Prof. Dr. Xiangping 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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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.