Biomass: Advanced Strategies for Renewable Chemicals and Energy Production

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Topic “Biomass: Advanced Strategies for Renewable Chemicals and Energy Production” explores cutting-edge approaches to converting biomass into valuable products that can serve as alternatives to fossil fuels. This encompasses a range of technologies, strategies, and processes focused on the sustainable production of energy and chemicals from renewable biomass resources. These include the utilization of diverse biomass feedstocks—such as agricultural residues, algae, and waste—and their conversion into biofuels, biochemicals, and energy using thermochemical and biochemical processes like pyrolysis, gasification, and fermentation. Emerging technologies such as biorefineries, which integrate multiple conversion processes and optimize biomass utilization, are also included. Furthermore, research focuses on producing advanced biofuels (e.g., cellulosic ethanol, bio-jet fuel), renewable chemicals (e.g., bioplastics, platform chemicals), green energy (e.g., biogas, hydrogen), and the integration of Power-to-X technologies in the form of electro- and photo-catalytic processes within modern bio refineries and fermentation routes. It also considers catalytic advances such as the development of new catalysts for more efficient biomass conversion into high-value chemicals and fuels. Challenges such as feedstock variability, biomass recalcitrance, and economic feasibility are addressed through advances in catalysis, genetic engineering, and techno-economic assessments. Further, life cycle assessments help to ensure that these processes contribute to environmental sustainability.

With this, the Topic is strongly dedicated to the dissemination of innovative research that advances the use of biomass as a sustainable resource for chemicals and energy, contributing to the transition to renewable, low-carbon systems.

Dr. Konstantinos G. Kalogiannis
Dr. Maria Antoniadou
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.3	2011	18.4 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Biomass biomass	-	2.9	2021	23.2 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Energies energies	3.0	6.2	2008	16.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Fermentation fermentation	3.3	3.8	2015	15.4 Days	CHF 2100	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	19.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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All Applied Sciences Biomass Energies Fermentation Sustainability

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17 pages, 1418 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Screening Microalgae for Producing Biofuel Precursors from Industrial Off-Gases

by Giannis Penloglou, Alexandros Pavlou and Costas Kiparissides

Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 2964; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17072964 - 27 Mar 2025

Viewed by 270

Abstract

The capture and conversion of industrial off-gases into valuable biomass using microalgae represents a promising strategy for CO₂ mitigation and sustainable production of biofuels and biochemicals. In this study, fifteen (15) microalgal strains were screened and evaluated for their growth performance and [...] Read more.

The capture and conversion of industrial off-gases into valuable biomass using microalgae represents a promising strategy for CO₂ mitigation and sustainable production of biofuels and biochemicals. In this study, fifteen (15) microalgal strains were screened and evaluated for their growth performance and the accumulation of macromolecules like polysaccharides and lipids under CO₂-enriched conditions, simulating the off-gas composition of an operational 2G biorefinery producing bioethanol from wastes. It was found that Stichococcus sp. exhibited the highest polysaccharides accumulation (33% w/w) in biomass, while Chlorella vulgaris demonstrated superior lipids content (34% w/w). Both strains (coded as wild-AUTH) displayed robust growth, each achieving biomass concentrations of 1.5 g/L of Dry Cell Weight (DCW), while maintaining tolerance to the gas feedstock. The protein contents of the strains further support their potential integration into a 3G biorefinery framework, where advanced biofuels could be one of multiple valorization pathways. These findings underline the feasibility of using microalgae as a retrofitting solution for bioethanol and other bioenergy plants, enhancing CO₂ capture while enabling biofuel production. The top-performing species provide a basis for optimizing bioprocess parameters and scaling up the cultivation in industrial photobioreactors (PBRs) to improve productivity and commercial applicability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biomass: Advanced Strategies for Renewable Chemicals and Energy Production)

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20 pages, 1010 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Impact of the Integration Level in Crop–Livestock Systems on Biomass Production, Nutrient Recycling, and Energy Efficiency

by Arnulfo Domínguez-Hernández, Alejandra Juárez-Velázquez, Elisa Domínguez-Hernández, Rosalba Zepeda-Bautista, Claudia Hernández-Aguilar and Martha Domínguez-Hernández

Biomass 2025, 5(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass5020019 - 25 Mar 2025

Viewed by 687

Abstract

Sustainable agricultural practices are essential to address global food security challenges while minimizing environmental impacts. This study aimed to evaluate integrated farming systems with varying levels of integration (from lower to higher)—maize monoculture + livestock (MM), maize + cover crop + mixed prairie [...] Read more.

Sustainable agricultural practices are essential to address global food security challenges while minimizing environmental impacts. This study aimed to evaluate integrated farming systems with varying levels of integration (from lower to higher)—maize monoculture + livestock (MM), maize + cover crop + mixed prairie + livestock (MCP), and maize + red clover + mixed prairie + livestock (MRP)—to assess their contributions to circularity and sustainability. The research examined biomass and protein production, nutrient cycling, energy use, food needs covered, and workload over two cropping cycles. The findings revealed that highly integrated systems (MRP and MCP) significantly enhance biomass production, energy efficiency, and nutrient recycling compared to the MM system (p < 0.05). MRP produced 4 times more biomass than MM (9.4 t ha⁻¹), while MCP achieved a 0.99 Nitrogen Recycling Index compared with 0.38 in MM, underscoring the benefits of grazing and increasing agrobiodiversity. Integrated systems also improved soil health (+17.4% organic matter in MRP and MCP, +91.5% nitrogen in MCP), reduced dependency on synthetic inputs, and boosted protein production (animal-derived protein in MRP and MCP = 395.4 kg, MM = 73.7 kg), thus meeting food needs for large populations. However, they required increased labor and technical expertise, presenting adoption barriers for smallholders. The synergy between agroecological practices and circularity offers a pathway to sustainable intensification, fostering economic, environmental, and social resilience. In this way, the results highlighted the potential of integrated farming systems to transform agricultural systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biomass: Advanced Strategies for Renewable Chemicals and Energy Production)

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25 pages, 1968 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Review of Machine Learning Methods for Steady State Capacity and Transient Production Forecasting in Oil and Gas Reservoir

by Dongyan Fan, Sicen Lai, Hai Sun, Yuqing Yang, Can Yang, Nianyang Fan and Minhui Wang

Energies 2025, 18(4), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18040842 - 11 Feb 2025

Viewed by 877

Abstract

Accurate oil and gas production forecasting is essential for optimizing field development and operational efficiency. Steady-state capacity prediction models based on machine learning techniques, such as Linear Regression, Support Vector Machines, Random Forest, and Extreme Gradient Boosting, effectively address complex nonlinear relationships through [...] Read more.

Accurate oil and gas production forecasting is essential for optimizing field development and operational efficiency. Steady-state capacity prediction models based on machine learning techniques, such as Linear Regression, Support Vector Machines, Random Forest, and Extreme Gradient Boosting, effectively address complex nonlinear relationships through feature selection, hyperparameter tuning, and hybrid integration, achieving high accuracy and reliability. These models maintain relative errors within acceptable limits, offering robust support for reservoir management. Recent advancements in spatiotemporal modeling, Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs), and agent-based modeling have further enhanced transient production forecasting. Spatiotemporal models capture temporal dependencies and spatial correlations, while PINN integrates physical laws into neural networks, improving interpretability and robustness, particularly for sparse or noisy data. Agent-based modeling complements these techniques by combining measured data with numerical simulations to deliver real-time, high-precision predictions of complex reservoir dynamics. Despite challenges in computational scalability, data sensitivity, and generalization across diverse reservoirs, future developments, including multi-source data integration, lightweight architectures, and real-time predictive capabilities, can further improve production forecasting, addressing the complexities of oil and gas production while supporting sustainable resource management and global energy security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biomass: Advanced Strategies for Renewable Chemicals and Energy Production)

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29 pages, 6511 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Analysis of the Sugarcane Biomass Use to Produce Green Hydrogen: Brazilian Case Study

by Gustavo Henrique Romeu da Silva, Andreas Nascimento, Diego Nascimento, Julian David Hunt and Mauro Hugo Mathias

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1675; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031675 - 6 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1343

Abstract

Conventional hydrogen production processes, which often involve fossil raw materials, emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This study critically evaluates the feasibility of using sugarcane biomass as an energy source to produce green hydrogen. In the 2023/2024 harvest, Brazil, the [...] Read more.

Conventional hydrogen production processes, which often involve fossil raw materials, emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This study critically evaluates the feasibility of using sugarcane biomass as an energy source to produce green hydrogen. In the 2023/2024 harvest, Brazil, the world’s largest sugarcane producer, processed approximately 713.2 million metric tons of sugarcane. This yielded 45.68 million metric tons of sugar and 29.69 billion liters of first-generation ethanol, equivalent to approximately 0.0416 liters of ethanol per kilogram of sugarcane. A systematic literature review was conducted using Scopus and Clarivate Analytics Web of Science, resulting in the assessment of 335 articles. The study has identified seven potential biohydrogen production methods, including two direct approaches from second-generation ethanol and five from integrated bioenergy systems. Experimental data indicate that second-generation ethanol can yield 594 MJ per metric ton of biomass, with additional energy recovery from lignin combustion (1705 MJ per metric ton). Moreover, advances in electrocatalytic reforming and plasma-driven hydrogen production have demonstrated high conversion efficiencies, addressing key technical barriers. The results highlight Brazil’s strategic potential to integrate biohydrogen production within its existing bioenergy infrastructure. By leveraging sugarcane biomass for green hydrogen, the country can contribute significantly to the global transition to sustainable energy while enhancing its energy security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biomass: Advanced Strategies for Renewable Chemicals and Energy Production)

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14 pages, 12020 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Microplastics on Growth and Lipid Accumulation in Scenedesmus quadricauda

by Yanrui Wang, Fei Xie, Wenwen Li, Li Ji, Guoqing Guan, Abuliti Abudula, Zhihong Yang and Feng Gao

Fermentation 2025, 11(2), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11020056 - 28 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1171

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs), as frequent pollutants, persist in aquatic environments and have an impact on the growth and biomass production of microalgae. This study employed MPs of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP) at concentrations of 250 mg/L with MP sizes of 50, [...] Read more.

Microplastics (MPs), as frequent pollutants, persist in aquatic environments and have an impact on the growth and biomass production of microalgae. This study employed MPs of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP) at concentrations of 250 mg/L with MP sizes of 50, 100, 300, and 500 µm to investigate their influences on the growth and bio-production of Scenedesmus quadricauda. The results revealed that MPs suppressed the growth of S. quadricauda and increased algal lipid production. The order of the MPs in terms of their inhibitory and lipid production effect was the following: PP > PS > PE. The order of their size sensitivity was 50 > 100 > 300 > 500 µm. In the 50 µm PP culture, the inhibition of microalgal growth (inhibition rate: 49.26%) and accumulation of lipids (total lipid content: 65.40%) were most significant, especially with neutral lipid content. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses proved that the rough MP surface led to high aggregation of microalgae, reduced the intensities of the protein-, lipid-, and carbohydrate-related bands and affected the structure of the algal cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biomass: Advanced Strategies for Renewable Chemicals and Energy Production)

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23 pages, 6251 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Activated Biochar from Pineapple Crown Biomass: A High-Efficiency Adsorbent for Organic Dye Removal

by Francisco J. Cano, Odín Reyes-Vallejo, Rocío Magdalena Sánchez-Albores, Pathiyamattom Joseph Sebastian, Abumalé Cruz-Salomón, Maritza del Carmen Hernández-Cruz, Wilber Montejo-López, Mayram González Reyes, Rocío del Pilar Serrano Ramirez and Héctor Hiram Torres-Ventura

Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010099 - 27 Dec 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2248

Abstract

Renowned for its versatility in environmental applications, biochar exhibits substantial potential to enhance anaerobic digestion, facilitate carbon sequestration, and improve water treatment through its highly efficient adsorption mechanisms. This study focuses on biochar derived from pineapple crown biomass, produced through slow pyrolysis, and [...] Read more.

Renowned for its versatility in environmental applications, biochar exhibits substantial potential to enhance anaerobic digestion, facilitate carbon sequestration, and improve water treatment through its highly efficient adsorption mechanisms. This study focuses on biochar derived from pineapple crown biomass, produced through slow pyrolysis, and its efficiency in removing organic dyes from contaminated water. The structural, morphological, and surface properties of both biochar and chemically activated biochar samples were comprehensively characterized using a range of techniques, including XRD, FTIR, XPS, BET surface area analysis, and SEM microscopy. The adsorption performance was evaluated using methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB), and malachite green (MG) dyes as model contaminants, with particular emphasis on the contact time on dye removal efficiency. Initial results showed removal rates of 10.8%, 37.5%, and 88.4% for RhB, MB, and MG, respectively. Notably, chemical activation significantly enhanced the adsorption efficiency, achieving complete (100%) removal of all tested dyes. Complete adsorption of MB and MG occurred within 9 min, indicating rapid adsorption kinetics. Adsorption data fit well with pseudo-second-order kinetics (R² = 0.9748–0.9999), and the Langmuir isotherm (R² = 0.9770–0.9998) suggested monolayer adsorption with chemical interactions between dyes and biochar. The intraparticle diffusion model further clarified the adsorption mechanisms. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of activated biochar for dye removal and highlight the potential of pineapple crown biomass in environmental remediation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biomass: Advanced Strategies for Renewable Chemicals and Energy Production)

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