Advanced Bioenergy and Biofuel Technologies

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are inviting submissions to a Topic "Advanced Bioenergy and Biofuel Technologies". Biomass-derived fuels offer promising solutions for reducing GHG emissions while enhancing energy security. Recent advancements in biofuel technologies such as pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction have improved production efficiency, fuel stability, and the valorization of agricultural and forestry residues, municipal solid waste, and algae-based feedstocks.

In particular, torrefied biomass and biocarbon are gaining attention as renewable energy sources with high energy density and enhanced properties. Additionally, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and bio-marine fuels are emerging as key solutions for decarbonizing the aviation and maritime industries. However, ensuring a stable and sustainable supply of biomass feedstock remains a critical challenge.

This Topic seeks innovative research on the latest advancements in bioenergy and biofuels. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, biomass pre-treatment, biofuel production and upgrading (torrefied biomass, biocarbon, SAF, bio-marine fuels, biogas, etc.), feedstock sustainability, waste-to-energy strategies, and life-cycle assessment. We welcome original research, reviews, and case studies that contribute to the sustainable development of bioenergy and biofuel technologies.

Dr. Jiho Yoo
Dr. Hokyung Choi
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Biomass biomass	-	4.2	2021	23.2 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Catalysts catalysts	4.0	7.6	2011	13.9 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Energies energies	3.2	7.3	2008	16.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Processes processes	2.8	5.5	2013	14.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	7.7	2009	19.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.6	8.6	1996	15.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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All Biomass Catalysts Energies Processes Sustainability Molecules

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17 pages, 1924 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Conversion of Furfural as a Bio-Oil Model Compound over Calcium-Based Materials as Sacrificial Low-Cost Catalysts for Bio-Oil Upgrading

by Moritz Böhme, Peter A. Jensen, Martin Høj, Brian B. Hansen, Magnus Z. Stummann and Anker D. Jensen

Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060554 - 3 Jun 2025

Viewed by 413

Abstract

The stabilization and upgrading of biomass and waste-derived pyrolysis oils requires development of reliable, active and low-cost upgrading catalysts. Basic natural materials can act as such catalysts and convert reactive oxygenates present in biomass pyrolysis oils. The conversion of furfural as a model [...] Read more.

The stabilization and upgrading of biomass and waste-derived pyrolysis oils requires development of reliable, active and low-cost upgrading catalysts. Basic natural materials can act as such catalysts and convert reactive oxygenates present in biomass pyrolysis oils. The conversion of furfural as a model compound has been conducted in an autoclave reactor at 200 °C to 300 °C using different calcium-based materials. CaCO₃, Ca(OH)₂, CaO, cement raw meal (CRM) and calcined cement raw meal (cCRM) were screened for their catalytic activity and characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), nitrogen physisorption, carbon dioxide temperature programmed desorption (CO₂-TPD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). CaCO₃ and CRM had low basicity and showed no catalytic activity at 200 to 300 °C. Notably, 90% conversion of furfural was achieved at 200 °C using Ca(OH)₂ with products being mostly furfural di- and trimers. For the basic CaO and cCRM, a temperature of 250 °C or above caused rapid polymerization of furfural. The proposed mechanism follows the Cannizzaro reaction of furfural, catalyzed by basic sites, polymerization of furfuryl alcohol, decarboxylation of furoic acid and decarbonylation of furfural, releasing CO, CO₂ and H₂O. Calcined cement raw meal showed the most promise for application as low-cost, sacrificial, basic catalyst. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Bioenergy and Biofuel Technologies)

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14 pages, 3084 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of Pyrolysis Volatiles from Pine Nut Shell over Ni-V Bimetallic Catalysts Supported on Zeolites

by Yujian Wu, Xiwei Xu, Xudong Fan, Yan Sun, Ren Tu, Enchen Jiang, Qing Xu and Chunbao Charles Xu

Catalysts 2025, 15(5), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15050498 - 20 May 2025

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Abstract

Bio-oil is a potential source for the production of alternative fuels and chemicals. In this work, Ni-V bimetallic zeolite catalysts were synthesized and evaluated in in situ catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of pyrolysis volatiles of pine nut shell for upgraded bio-oil products. The pH [...] Read more.

Bio-oil is a potential source for the production of alternative fuels and chemicals. In this work, Ni-V bimetallic zeolite catalysts were synthesized and evaluated in in situ catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of pyrolysis volatiles of pine nut shell for upgraded bio-oil products. The pH and lower heating value (LHV) of the upgraded bio-oil products were improved by in situ catalytic HDO, while the moisture content and density of the oil decreased. The O/C ratio of the upgraded bio-oil products decreased significantly, and the oxygenated compounds in the pyrolysis volatiles were converted efficiently via deoxygenation over Ni-V zeolite catalysts. The highest HDO activity was obtained with NiV/MesoY, where the obtained bio-oil had the lowest O/C atomic ratio (0.27), a higher LHV (27.03 MJ/kg) and the highest selectivity (19.6%) towards target arenes. Owing to the more appropriate pore size distribution and better dispersion of metal active sites, NiV/MesoY enhanced the transformation of reacting intermediates, obtaining the dominant products of phenols and arenes. A higher HDO temperature improved the catalytic activity of pyrolysis volatiles to form more deoxygenated arenes. Higher Ni loading could generate more metal active sites, thus promoting the catalyst’s HDO activity for pyrolysis volatiles. This study contributes to the development of cost-efficient and eco-friendly HDO catalysts, which are required for producing high-quality biofuel products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Bioenergy and Biofuel Technologies)

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22 pages, 1205 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Integrated Approach for Biomass Conversion Using Thermochemical Routes with Anaerobic Digestion and Syngas Fermentation

by Dolores Hidalgo, Ana Urueña, Jesús M. Martín-Marroquín and David Díez

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3615; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083615 - 16 Apr 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 819

Abstract

This review focuses on the integration of thermochemical and biochemical processes as a transformative approach to biomass conversion. By combining technologies such as anaerobic digestion, hydrothermal liquefaction, pyrolysis, and syngas fermentation, this review highlights how hybrid systems maximize resource recovery and improve energy [...] Read more.

This review focuses on the integration of thermochemical and biochemical processes as a transformative approach to biomass conversion. By combining technologies such as anaerobic digestion, hydrothermal liquefaction, pyrolysis, and syngas fermentation, this review highlights how hybrid systems maximize resource recovery and improve energy efficiency. Key examples include the use of digestate from anaerobic digestion as a feedstock for pyrolysis or hydrothermal carbonization, enhancing biochar and hydrochar production while improving nutrient recycling. Similarly, the integration of syngas fermentation with gasification demonstrates how thermochemical products can be further valorized into biofuels under milder biochemical conditions. This review also addresses the reuse of by-products, such as the aqueous phase from hydrothermal processes, in nutrient recovery and algae cultivation, showcasing the circular potential of these systems. By emphasizing the technical and economic synergies of integrating diverse technologies, this paper outlines a clear pathway for industrial-scale adoption, contributing to sustainable energy production and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Bioenergy and Biofuel Technologies)

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