Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhi-Cong Wang, Jia Duo, Ya-Qi Shan, Lin-Xin Yin, Pei-Gao Duan
Summary: Pyrolysis oils with different H/Ceff ratios were mixed with tetralin and treated under certain conditions to examine the effect on upgraded oil yield and quality. Higher H/Ceff ratios resulted in higher yield and H/Ceff ratios of upgraded oil. The addition of Pt/C and Ru/C showed different effects on the reduction of S, O, and N in the feedstock. N and S contamination reduced the deoxygenation efficiency. Therefore, the H/Ceff ratio plays a vital role in improving the properties of the bio-oil.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Habu Iyodo Mohammed, Kabir Garba, Saeed Isa Ahmed, Lawan Garba Abubakar
Summary: Researchers have discovered biomass feedstocks and pyrolysis techniques to produce biofuels and chemicals from sources other than fossil fuels. The strategies used for biooils production from biomass pyrolysis including catalytic upgrading, co-pyrolysis, temperature-programmed pyrolysis, and biomass pre-treatment were extensively reviewed in this paper. The bio-oils produced using these strategies have higher calorific values and concentrations of hydrocarbons and aromatics compared to the biomass feedstocks and raw bio-oils. However, there are drawbacks, such as high costs, secondary waste production, and constituent loss in the pre-treatment technique. Co-pyrolysis can also be expensive and problematic due to the need for simultaneous supply of scarce feedstock. Microporous zeolites were found to enhance the potential of bio-oils for fuel and chemicals by increasing their calorific values and concentrations of aromatics and hydrocarbons. The drawback of these zeolites is their small, easily blocked pores and early deactivation. In the future, highly functionalized ZSM-5 derived from inexpensive materials will be required for high-grade bio-oils.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Taina Ohra-aho, Maryam Ghalibaf, Raimo Alen, Christian Lindfors, Anja Oasmaa
Summary: In this study, extraction of extractive-derived substances from fast pyrolysis bio-oils using n-heptane was found to be effective, with the extracted compounds mainly consisting of fatty acids, resin acids, esterified fatty acids, terpenoids, and steroids. The total content of these compounds was lower than that of lignin-derived compounds. Optimizing the extraction time and mixing method can help in estimating the content and composition of lipophilic extractives.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jiaomei Liu, Xiangfei Xue, Liu Wu, Jie Liang
Summary: Catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) using zeolite catalysts is a promising method for converting biomass into renewable bio-oils. In this study, the effects of zeolite morphologies, acidity, metal modification, and metal loadings on bio-oil production were investigated. Nanosized ZSM-5 with a higher Si/Al ratio improved bio-oil yield, while metal modification had a greater impact on hydrocarbon selectivity. The nanosized 2NiOx/ZSM-5 with a Si/Al ratio of 50 and a NiOx loading of 2 wt% showed the highest bio-oil yield and satisfactory hydrocarbon selectivity. A pyrolysis mechanism for neem sawdust over ZSM-5 with varied parameters was proposed to guide future zeolite catalyst design.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yaseen Elkasabi, Charles A. Mullen, Gary D. Strahan, Victor T. Wyatt
Summary: In an effort to reduce carbon emissions, we have synthesized a renewable biopitch made from biomass pyrolysis, which undergoes distillation and extraction processes. The resulting biopitch has similar coking values to traditional petroleum-based carbon materials and can be used for anode production, while also providing a marketable coproduct for biorefineries.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sourodipto Modak, Priyanka Katiyar, Sanjeev Yadav, Siddharth Jain, Bappaditya Gole, Dhrubajyoti Talukdar
Summary: Bio-oil was produced from cooked food waste through slow pyrolysis at different temperatures. NMR analysis was used to characterize the nature of the bio-oil, and GC-MS was employed to identify and quantify the compounds. The results showed that low temperature pyrolysis mainly produced carbonyl compounds, levoglucosans, and furans, while medium temperature pyrolysis generated sugars, aliphatic compounds, nitrogen compounds, acids, phenolic compounds, and alcohols. With an increase in pyrolysis temperature, the fraction of aromatics significantly increased. The composition of the aromatic fraction contained a high percentage of aromatic ethers, which could be converted into aliphatic alkanes, aliphatic alcohols, aromatic derivatives, and platform chemicals through catalyst addition.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Emilce D. Galarza, Carla S. Fermanelli, Liliana B. Pierella, Clara Saux, Maria S. Renzini
Summary: Peanut shell pyrolysis was studied with an emphasis on the catalysis effect of tin modified ZSM-11 zeolites. The bio-oil composition was greatly influenced by the selected catalysts. The incorporation of Sn through wet impregnation method enhanced the acidity of the material and resulted in higher hydrocarbon selectivities in the bio-oil.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Marianela Ortiz-Alvarez, Ramon Piloto-Rodriguez, Sven Pohl
Summary: This study used Artificial Neural Networks to model the bio-oil yield from pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass and obtained an accurate prediction model through validation.
ENERGY SOURCES PART A-RECOVERY UTILIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bridget Tang, Katie Chong, Arthur J. J. Ragauskas, Robert Evans
Summary: Pyrolysis bio-oils, derived from lignocellulosic biomass pyrolysis, have potential as widely-used fuels. These oils have complex chemical compositions containing hundreds to thousands oxygen-containing compounds with diverse physical properties, chemical structures, and concentrations. Knowledge of bio-oil composition is essential for optimizing pyrolysis processes and subsequent fuel upgrading. This study successfully used benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers to analyze pyrolysis oils, showing comparable results to titrations for total carbonyl content. The benchtop NMR spectrometer also detected important spectral features and quantified different carbonyl groups without the need for cryogens, making NMR analysis of pyrolysis oils more accessible to various users.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Charlotte Mase, Marie Hubert-Roux, Carlos Afonso, Pierre Giusti
Summary: Bio-oils obtained from lignocellulosic biomass pyrolysis are a promising alternative to petroleum-based fuels, but their complex molecular composition requires advanced techniques like Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry for molecular characterization. The choice of ionization source significantly impacts the molecular species and structural features in bio-oils.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yang Xu, Yudi Zhao, Xuan Guo, Yunming Fang
Summary: This study conducted an in-depth analysis of trace oxygenates in co-processing liquid products using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC x GC-MS), and investigated the effects of different reaction conditions on the conversion rate and product distribution. The results showed that the addition of bio-oil improved the co-processing conversion rate but reduced the gas and gasoline yield. Moreover, increasing the reaction temperature enhanced the deoxygenation process, although excessively high temperatures decreased the gasoline yield.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anastasiya Y. Yadykova, Sergey O. Ilyin
Summary: Bio-oils are multicomponent heterogeneous systems with complex rheological and thermophysical behaviors. Hydrogenated bio-oils have lower yield stress and apparent viscosity compared to original bio-oils. The complex rheological behavior of bio-oils makes it incorrect to characterize them by a single viscosity value.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nattawut Khuenkaeo, Sanphawat Phromphithak, Thossaporn Onsree, Salman Raza Naqvi, Nakorn Tippayawong
Summary: The use of ablative pyrolysis under vacuum to convert tobacco residues into bio-oils has shown promising results, producing high-quality oils mainly composed of alkanes, benzene derivatives, and nitrogen-containing compounds. This process can effectively convert pyrolysis products into liquid fuels with high carbon, hydrogen, and calorific value.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Andreas Eschenbacher, Trond Myrstad, Niels Bech, Hang Dao Thi, Milos Auersvald, Kevin M. Van Geem, Anker D. Jensen
Summary: This study investigated the blending of two bio-oils obtained from different catalytic treatments of wheat-straw pyrolysis vapors with atmospheric residue, showing the impact of varying levels of basic nitrogen and aromatics on FCC performance. Refinery operators interested in co-processing fossil oils and biomass-derived pyrolysis oils with elevated content of nitrogen and aromatics can benefit from the important information provided in this study.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rahmad Mohd Taib, Nurhayati Abdullah, Nur Syairah Mohamad Aziz
Summary: This study investigated the fast pyrolysis of banana pseudo-stem (BPS) to determine the optimal conditions for maximum liquid yield, finding that a pyrolysis temperature of 500°C and a residence time of 1.02 s were ideal. Under these conditions, a total liquid yield of 39.4% was achieved, with a high heating value of approximately 5.35 MJ/kg for the BPS liquid obtained. The BPS bio-oil was found to contain common functional groups and chemical compounds related to phenols.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Liu, Kui Wang, Xinpeng Zhao, Zhijun Chen, Xiaoyan Yin, Tingting Cai, Xiaolei Zhang, Junming Xu, Jun Hu, Xianzhi Meng, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Jianchun Jiang
Summary: Integrated lignocellulosic biorefineries have the potential to convert all components of lignocellulosic biomass into valuable products. However, the challenge lies in the recalcitrance of lignocellulose, making the conversion process technically and economically challenging. This study proposes a sustainable and profitable strategy for lignocellulose fractionation and conversion, with the potential for high revenue.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Xianzhi Meng, Yunxuan Wang, Austin J. Conte, Shuyang Zhang, Jiae Ryu, Jeong Jae Wie, Yunqiao Pu, Brian H. Davison, Chang Geun Yoo, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: Biomass pretreatment is an essential step in the production of second-generation biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass. Recent research has focused on the efficiency of conventional biomass pretreatment solvents in carbohydrate conversion, rather than considering their potential hazards and carbon intensity. This review discusses the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives, such as biomass-derived solvents, including carbohydrate and lignin-derived solvents. It also examines different types of pretreatment solvents, such as organic, ionic liquid, and deep eutectic solvents, and the role of water as a co-solvent. The review concludes with a discussion on the challenges and prospects of utilizing biomass-derived pretreatment solvents for sustainable and green biorefinery.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xuze Liu, Jinyuan Cheng, Chen Huang, Jia Wang, Guigan Fang, Kuizhong Shen, Xianzhi Meng, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: In this study, a Na2S promoted deep eutectic solvent (DES) was successfully used to decrease the natural resistance of moso bamboo (MB) and improve subsequent enzymatic saccharification. The addition of Na2S effectively deconstructed lignin with a removal rate of 74.67%, while preserving glucan and hemicellulose to the maximum extent. The enzymatic saccharification yield of pretreated MB reached 100% under the pretreatment condition of 140 degrees C, and lignin could be easily recovered with a high yield of 81.47%. The Na2S promoted DES showed superior lignin removal and recovery yield, carbohydrate preservation, and enzymatic digestibility compared to normal alkaline DES, suggesting Na2S as a novel and powerful enhancer for DES fractionation efficiency.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chunxiao Gong, Xianzhi Meng, Caidi Jin, Ming Yang, Jianglong Liu, Kuichuan Sheng, Yunqiao Pu, Arthur Ragauskas, Guanya Ji, Ximing Zhang
Summary: This study presents a green synthetic route of cellulose formate and its efficient conversion into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Ball milling was used to improve the formylation and catalytic conversion of cellulose formate (BCF) into HMF. The use of BCF derived from cellulose ball milled for 1.5 h achieved a 66.9% HMF yield at 150 degrees C for 20 min. BCF exhibited high reactivity towards HMF due to its excellent solubility and accessibility in DMSO-H2O media.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jinye Wang, Wenyan Xiao, Junhua Zhang, Xiyu Quan, Jie Chu, Xianzhi Meng, Yunqiao Pu, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: The effects of nonionic surfactant Tween 80 on the adsorption and desorption of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes onto lignin were investigated. The results showed that Tween 80 effectively alleviated enzyme adsorption and enhanced enzyme desorption. However, the effectiveness of Tween 80 was influenced by the hydrophobicity and phenolic OH content of lignin.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hossain M. Zabed, Suely Akter, Junhua Yun, Guoyan Zhang, Mei Zhao, M. Mofijur, Mukesh Kumar Awasthi, M. A. Kalam, Arthur Ragauskas, Xianghui Qi
Summary: Corn stover (CS) is a common agricultural waste, accounting for 47-50% of the dry mass of total grain yield. It contains cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, making it an ideal raw material for biofuels and chemicals. However, the technoeconomic perspectives of CS-based biorefineries remain questionable due to logistics issues, expensive conversion technologies, limited scale-up, and lower market competitiveness. This review critically discusses the latest research on the biochemical conversion of CS into biofuels and chemicals, covering market potential, technological developments, and economic perspectives.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jahidul Islam, Rubel Anwar, Mahmud Shareef, Hossain M. Zabed, J. N. Sahu, Xianghui Qi, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, Arthur Ragauskas, Imed Boukhris, Md Rezaur Rahman, Faisal Islam Chowdhury
Summary: Remarkable advancements have been made in the field of rechargeable metal-metal alkaline batteries (RABs) in terms of safety, energy density, charge-discharge capacity, and long-term storage capability. Metal-metal RABs, such as Ni-Zn, Ni-Fe, Ni-Bi, Ni-MH, Ag-Zn, Co-Zn, Cu-Zn, and Bi-Zn systems, are considered as promising energy storage devices for electric vehicles, hybrid EVs, grid-scale energy storage, and implantable and wearable electronic devices. Ni-MH batteries have become competitive with Li-ion batteries in EVs and hybrid EVs applications due to their high tolerance against mechanical abuse, stability under wide temperature ranges, and considerable charge/discharge capacity.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xianhui Zhao, Samarthya Bhagia, Diego Gomez-Maldonado, Xiaomin Tang, Sanjita Wasti, Shun Lu, Shuyang Zhang, Mahesh Parit, Mitchell L. Rencheck, Matthew Korey, Huixin Jiang, Jiadeng Zhu, Xianzhi Meng, Meghan E. Lamm, Katie Copenhaver, Maria S. Peresin, Lu Wang, Halil Tekinalp, Guang Yang, Vipin Kumar, Gang Chen, Kashif Nawaz, X. Chelsea Chen, Uday Vaidya, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Erin Webb, Douglas J. Gardner, Ping He, Ximin He, Kai Li, Soydan Ozcan
Summary: This article reviews the recent development and applications of bioinspired nanocellulose-based materials, summarizes their functions and applications, discusses bioinspired design templates, strategies, advantages and challenges, and explores the mechanisms and processes of biomimetic design. Finally, future research directions and opportunities of bioinspired nanocellulose-based materials are highlighted.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ran Zhang, Zhen Hu, Yanting Wang, Huizhen Hu, Fengcheng Li, Mi Li, Arthur Ragauskas, Tao Xia, Heyou Han, Jingfeng Tang, Haizhong Yu, Bingqian Xu, Liangcai Peng
Summary: This study reveals the key characteristics of lignocellulose and proposes an engineering target to increase its saccharification ability. By investigating the assembly and conversion processes of cellulose nanofibers, it uncovers the digestibility and convertibility of plant cellulose substrates, providing a strategy for the development of cost-effective biofuels and high-quality bioproducts.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yunxuan Wang, Jiae Ryu, Kwang Ho Kim, Xianzhi Meng, Yunqiao Pu, Yang Tian, Aymerick Eudes, Gyu Leem, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Chang Geun Yoo
Summary: Biomass-derived deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have shown promise as pretreatment and fractionation solvents for biomass due to their mild processing conditions, easy synthesis, and green components. In this study, the effects of water and ethylene glycol as solvent-based third constituents on biomass processing were evaluated using various parameters. The results showed that ternary ChCl-DHBA DESs outperformed binary ChCl-DHBA DES in terms of delignification, fermentable sugar production, and preservation of beta-O-4 ether linkage in lignin.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhi-Min Zhao, Xianzhi Meng, Yunqiao Pu, Mi Li, Yibing Li, Yihan Zhang, Fang Chen, Arthur J. J. Ragauskas
Summary: This study investigated the bioconversion of homogeneous linear catechyl lignin (C-lignin) to polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) for the first time. C-lignins from different sources showed variations in molecular structures. Nonetherified catechol units were consumed during fermentation. C2 lignin, with a lower weight-average molecular weight compared to C1, exhibited superior bioconversion performance.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhi-Min Zhao, Zhi-Hua Liu, Tongtong Zhang, Rongqian Meng, Zhiqun Gong, Yibing Li, Jing Hu, Arthur J. Ragauskas, Bing-Zhi Li, Ying-Jin Yuan
Summary: Bioconversion of bioresources/wastes using Rhodococcus is a promising approach for producing lipid-derived bioproducts. However, bioconversion involves living cells and is a complex system that requires further understanding. This review highlights the potential of Rhodococcus for producing lipids from various wastes and presents genetic modifications using emerging tools for promoting bioconversion. Additionally, strategies for enhancing the bioaccessibility of lignin and its derived aromatics and synthesizing biodiesel and aviation fuels from lignin and lipids are discussed. The synergistic modification of microbial strains, substrates, and fermentation processes is proposed for sustainable biological lignin valorization.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Rithany Kheam, Kailong Zhang, Thomas Elder, Nathan Bryant, Arthur Ragauskas, Mi Li
Summary: This study investigated the isolation and characteristics of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from hemp and poplar using different pretreatment methods. The results showed that peracetic acid treatment effectively delignified the biomass, while sodium chlorite treatment left some lignin in the pulp. The CNCs obtained from TCF-treated biomass had larger dimensions and slightly higher crystallinity compared to those from sodium chlorite-treated biomass. The zeta potential, surface energy, water interactions, and thermal stability of the CNCs were comparable regardless of the biomass source and pretreatment methods used.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinru La, Jurong Ren, Mengyuan Wen, Xianzhi Meng, Jia Wang, Jianchun Jiang, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: This study investigates an environmentally friendly method for CO production through the variable frequency microwave-driven CO2 Boudouard reaction over biochar. The resonance effect at 4225 MHz significantly enhances CO2 conversion efficiency and energy efficiency, resulting in a remarkable increase in productivity compared to electrical heating. Continuous microwave irradiation at the optimized frequency also improves the pore structure and surface area of biochar.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yun-Yan Wang, Yunxuan Wang, Luna Liang, Micholas Dean Smith, Xianzhi Meng, Yunqiao Pu, Mitra Mazarei, Rupesh Agarwal, Shalini J. Rukmani, Brian H. Davison, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: Biomass-derived solvents have the potential to be a novel pathway in biorefining. This study investigates the impact of Cyrene pretreatment on switchgrass lignin. The results show that Cyrene can effectively solubilize lignin and the pretreatment efficacy can be optimized by adjusting the Cyrene concentration and pretreatment time.
