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Catalytic Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization, 2nd Edition
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Catalytic Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomass Catalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 15273

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Claudia Carlucci

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life Sciences, Health, and Health Professions, Link Campus University, Via del Casale di San Pio V, 44, 00165 Rome, Italy
Interests: sustainable chemistry; organic chemistry; flow chemistry; material chemistry; nanotechnology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Following a successful first edition, we are pleased to announce the launch of the second edition of a Special Issue entitled "Catalytic Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization II".

Public attention to energy consumption and the related emissions of pollutants is increasing. The constant increase in the costs of raw materials derived from petroleum and the growing concerns surrounding the environmental impact have given considerable impetus to research into new products from renewable raw materials and to the proposal of technological solutions that reduce energy consumption, the use of hazardous substances and waste production, while promoting a model of sustainable development. The valorization of waste materials is a viable alternative to traditional disposal systems, including in the field of renewable energy and biofuels.

This Special Issue aims to focus on sustainable chemistry, biomass valorization, biofuels, biodiesel production, waste production, raw materials and glycerol. The topics of this Special Issue include both experimental and theoretical contributions. Original research papers, communications and review articles will be considered for submission.

Prof. Dr. Claudia Carlucci
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 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. Catalysts 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 2200 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

  • sustainable chemistry
  • biomass valorization
  • biofuel
  • biodiesel production
  • waste production
  • raw materials
  • glycerol

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 155 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial: A Special Issue on “Catalytic Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization, 2nd Edition”
by Claudia Carlucci
Catalysts 2024, 14(8), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14080498 - 1 Aug 2024
Viewed by 613
Abstract
The depletion of fossil fuels, attributable to the rapid increase in the world’s population and the growth of industrialization, is estimated to run out in less than ten decades if not replaced by alternative energy sources [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalytic Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization, 2nd Edition)

Research

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15 pages, 8843 KiB  
Article
Preparation of CaO@CeO2 Solid Base Catalysts Used for Biodiesel Production
by Wilasinee Kingkam, Jirapa Maisomboon, Khemmanich Khamenkit, Sasikarn Nuchdang, Kewalee Nilgumhang, Sudarat Issarapanacheewin and Dussadee Rattanaphra
Catalysts 2024, 14(4), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14040240 - 4 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1677
Abstract
The study investigated the use of CeO2 extracted from monazite with calcium oxide (CaO) as a solid catalyst for biodiesel production. The wet impregnation method was used to produce CaO@CeO2 mixed-oxide catalysts with 0–50 wt.% CaO. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) [...] Read more.
The study investigated the use of CeO2 extracted from monazite with calcium oxide (CaO) as a solid catalyst for biodiesel production. The wet impregnation method was used to produce CaO@CeO2 mixed-oxide catalysts with 0–50 wt.% CaO. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) was used to characterize the catalysts. In order to determine the optimal preparation conditions, the effect of different CaO compositions on the performance of CaO@CeO2 mixed-oxide catalysts was examined. The catalytic activity of the CaO@CeO2 catalyst for the transesterification reaction of palm oil to produce biodiesel was studied. The results show that the optimum yield of biodiesel can reach 97% fatty acid methyl ester over the 30CaO@CeO2 catalyst at the reaction conditions of 5 wt.% catalysts, methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 9:1, with a reaction temperature of 65 °C within 30 min. The results show that the high catalytic activity and stability of the CaO@CeO2 catalyst make it a promising candidate for industrial-scale biodiesel production. Further study is needed to improve the stability and efficiency of catalysts in transesterification reactions to achieve a high FAME yield using long-life-span catalysts. Moreover, it is necessary to investigate the economic feasibility of this process for application in large-scale biodiesel production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalytic Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 4018 KiB  
Article
From Waste to Catalyst: Transforming Mussel Shells into a Green Solution for Biodiesel Production from Jatropha curcas Oil
by Halimah A. Alsabi, Manal E. Shafi, Suad H. Almasoudi, Faten A. M. Mufti, Safaa A. Alowaidi, Somia E. Sharawi and Alaa A. Alaswad
Catalysts 2024, 14(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14010059 - 12 Jan 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2592
Abstract
This study introduces an innovative approach to sustainable biodiesel production using mussel shell-derived calcium oxide (CaO) as a catalyst for converting Jatropha curcas oil into biodiesel. By repurposing waste mussel shells, the research aims to provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for environmentally [...] Read more.
This study introduces an innovative approach to sustainable biodiesel production using mussel shell-derived calcium oxide (CaO) as a catalyst for converting Jatropha curcas oil into biodiesel. By repurposing waste mussel shells, the research aims to provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for environmentally responsible biodiesel production, aligning with global standards. The study involves characterizing the catalyst, optimizing reaction conditions, and achieving a remarkable 99.36% Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) yield, marking a significant step toward cleaner and more economically viable energy sources. Biodiesel, recognized for its lower emissions, is produced through transesterification using mussel shell-derived CaO as a sustainable catalyst. This research contributes to cleaner and economically viable energy sources, emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy solutions and responsible catalytic processes. This research bridges the gap between waste management, catalyst development, and sustainable energy production, contributing to the ongoing global shift towards cleaner and more economically viable energy sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalytic Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 2273 KiB  
Article
Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oil: Highly Efficient Homogeneous Iron(III) Molecular Catalysts
by Vincenzo Langellotti, Massimo Melchiorre, Maria Elena Cucciolito, Roberto Esposito, Domenico Grieco, Gabriella Pinto and Francesco Ruffo
Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1496; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121496 - 7 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1593
Abstract
This article presents an efficient iron(III) molecular catalyst for the production of biodiesel from waste vegetable oils. The approach involved an initial screening of eight salophen complexes with various substituents on the arene rings, leading to the selection of the simplest unsubstituted species [...] Read more.
This article presents an efficient iron(III) molecular catalyst for the production of biodiesel from waste vegetable oils. The approach involved an initial screening of eight salophen complexes with various substituents on the arene rings, leading to the selection of the simplest unsubstituted species as the most active catalyst. Under optimized conditions, this catalyst demonstrated the capability to achieve complete conversion of the oil at a low catalyst loading (0.10% mol/mol) and convenient conditions (160 °C, 20/1 MeOH/oil ratio). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalytic Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization, 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 8272 KiB  
Article
Industrial Scale Direct Liquefaction of E. globulus Biomass
by Irina Fernandes, Maria Joana Neiva Correia, José Condeço, Duarte M. Cecílio, João Bordado and Margarida Mateus
Catalysts 2023, 13(10), 1379; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13101379 - 19 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1371
Abstract
This work presents the study of Eucalyptus globulus bark and sawdust direct liquefaction. Laboratory scale experiments were carried out to assess the impact of several variables on the reaction yield and the sugar content of the bio-oil. These variables were the biomass type [...] Read more.
This work presents the study of Eucalyptus globulus bark and sawdust direct liquefaction. Laboratory scale experiments were carried out to assess the impact of several variables on the reaction yield and the sugar content of the bio-oil. These variables were the biomass type and concentration, the solvent, and the reaction time. The results show that E. globulus sawdust presented the highest yields (>95%), but the highest sugar content after water extraction was obtained for E. globulus bark (~5.5% vs. 1.2% for sawdust). Simultaneously, industrial-scale tests were carried out at the ENERGREEN pilot plant using the same reaction variables, which resulted in reaction yields of nearly 100%. The reagents and raw materials used, as well as the products obtained (bio-oil, reaction condensates, polyols, and sugar phases) were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. The heating value of the bio-oils is higher than the original biomass (higher heating value of E. globulus sawdust bio-oil 29 MJ/kg vs. 19.5 MJ/kg of the original E. globulus sawdust). The analyses of the bio-oils allowed us to identify the presence of high-added-value compounds, such as levulinic acid and furfural. Finally, a study of the accelerated aging of liquefied biomass showed that the biofuel density increases from 1.35 to 1.44 kg/dm3 after 7 days of storage due to the occurrence of repolymerization reactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalytic Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization, 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 1346 KiB  
Article
Non-Conventional Oilseeds: Unlocking the Global Potential for Sustainable Biofuel Production
by Bushra Ahmed Alhammad, Aftab Jamal, Claudia Carlucci, Muhammad Farhan Saeed, Mahmoud F. Seleiman and Marcelo F. Pompelli
Catalysts 2023, 13(9), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13091263 - 31 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1895
Abstract
Renewable energy sources have become an urgent worldwide concern due to the impacts of global warming. Globally, biofuels can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are major contributors to global warming. The use of biofuels has the potential to transform the energy landscape [...] Read more.
Renewable energy sources have become an urgent worldwide concern due to the impacts of global warming. Globally, biofuels can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are major contributors to global warming. The use of biofuels has the potential to transform the energy landscape while mitigating the adverse effects of traditional fossil fuels. This study examines the water features, biochemical compositions, and fatty acid profiles among various plant species. The results reveal significant variations in water features as a consequence of the relative water content and water potential of each seed. Also, we note that some non-edible species like A. blanchetii, C. procera, E. oleracea, P. juliflora, M. oleifera, and J. curcas have good attributes that confer a biofuel-like species. These attributes are high in oil content and have a good profile content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), ranging from 35% to 80% among the different oilseeds. Fatty acid profiling reveals distinct compositions among the plant species. Stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1), and linoleic acid (C18:2) were the principal oils in A. blanchetii, J. curcas, P. juliflora, M. oleifera, and S. tuberosa compared to other species. M. oleifera stands out with a high linoleic acid (C18:1) content, while C. maxima, J. curcas, and P. juliflora are even higher (C18:2). A principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlations analysis also confirmed that alternative oilseeds exhibited similarities to standard oilseeds and have the potential to replace them for biofuel production. These findings demonstrate the potential of non-conventional oilseeds for sustainable biofuel production. By unlocking their global potential, we can advance towards mitigating environmental impacts and fostering a sustainable biofuel industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalytic Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 1933 KiB  
Article
A New Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolate Enhances Its Unusual 1,3-Propanediol Generation from Glycerol in Bioelectrochemical System
by Julia Pereira Narcizo, Lucca Bonjy Kikuti Mancilio, Matheus Pedrino, María-Eugenia Guazzaroni, Adalgisa Rodrigues de Andrade and Valeria Reginatto
Catalysts 2023, 13(7), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13071133 - 20 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1668
Abstract
The ability of some bacteria to perform Extracellular Electron Transfer (EET) has been explored in bioelectrochemical systems (BES) to obtain energy or chemicals from pure substances or residual substrates. Here, a new pyoverdine-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain was isolated from an MFC biofilm oxidizing [...] Read more.
The ability of some bacteria to perform Extracellular Electron Transfer (EET) has been explored in bioelectrochemical systems (BES) to obtain energy or chemicals from pure substances or residual substrates. Here, a new pyoverdine-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain was isolated from an MFC biofilm oxidizing glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production. Strain EL14 was investigated to assess its electrogenic ability and products. In an open circuit system (fermentation system), EL14 was able to consume glycerol and produce 1,3-propanediol, an unusual product from glycerol oxidation in P. aeruginosa. The microbial fuel cell (MFC) EL14 reached a current density of 82.4 mA m−2 during the first feeding cycle, then dropped sharply as the biofilm fell off. Cyclic voltammetry suggests that electron transfer to the anode occurs indirectly, i.e., through a redox substance, with redox peak at 0.22 V (vs Ag/AgCl), and directly probably by membrane redox proteins, with redox peak at 0.05 V (vs Ag/AgCl). EL14 produced added-value bioproducts, acetic and butyric acids, as well as 1,3 propanediol, in both fermentative and anodic conditions. However, the yield of 1,3-PDO from glycerol was enhanced from 0.57 to 0.89 (mol of 1,3-PDO mol−1 of glycerol) under MFC conditions compared to fermentation. This result was unexpected, since successful 1,3-PDO production is not usually associated with P. aeruginosa glycerol metabolism. By comparing EL14 genomic sequences related to the 1,3-PDO biosynthesis with P. aeruginosa reference strains, we observed that strain EL14 has three copies of the dhaT gene (1,3-propanediol dehydrogenase a different arrangement compared to other Pseudomonas isolates). Thus, this work functionally characterizes a bacterium never before associated with 1,3-PDO biosynthesis, indicating its potential for converting a by-product of the biodiesel industry into an emerging chemical product. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalytic Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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32 pages, 3029 KiB  
Review
Recent Developments in Lignocellulosic Biofuel Production with Nanotechnological Intervention: An Emphasis on Ethanol
by Swagata Dutta, Sarveshwaran Saravanabhupathy, Anusha, Rajiv Chandra Rajak, Rintu Banerjee, Pritam Kumar Dikshit, Chandra Tejaswi Padigala, Amit K. Das and Beom Soo Kim
Catalysts 2023, 13(11), 1439; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13111439 - 14 Nov 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3053
Abstract
Biofuel, an inexhaustible fuel source, plays a pivotal role in the contemporary era by diminishing the dependence on non-renewable energy sources and facilitating the mitigation of CO2 emissions. Due to the many constraints in existing technology and the resulting increased costs, the [...] Read more.
Biofuel, an inexhaustible fuel source, plays a pivotal role in the contemporary era by diminishing the dependence on non-renewable energy sources and facilitating the mitigation of CO2 emissions. Due to the many constraints in existing technology and the resulting increased costs, the production of biofuels on a large scale is a laborious process. Furthermore, the methods used to convert varied feedstock into the intended biofuel may vary based on the specific techniques and materials involved. The demand for bioethanol is increasing worldwide due to the implementation of regulations by world nations that mandates the blending of bioethanol with petrol. In this regard, second-generation bioethanol made from lignocellulosic biomass is emerging at a rapid rate. Pre-treatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation are some of the technical, practical, and economic hurdles that the biochemical conversion method must overcome. Nanoparticles (NPs) provide a very effective approach to address the present obstacles in using biomass, due to their selectivity, energy efficiency, and time management capabilities, while also reducing costs. NPs smaller dimensions allow them to be more effective at interacting with lignocellulosic components at low concentrations to release carbohydrates that can be utilized to produce bioethanol. This article provides a concise overview of various biofuels and the nanotechnological advancements in producing it, with a particular emphasis on ethanol. It provides a detailed discussion on the application of nanotechnology at each stage of ethanol production, with a particular emphasis on understanding the mechanism of how nanoparticles interact with lignocellulose. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalytic Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization, 2nd Edition)
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