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Sustainable Development and Application of Renewable Chemicals from Biomass and Waste

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2022) | Viewed by 39304

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mohamad Nasir Mohamad Ibrahim

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Guest Editor
School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
Interests: nanomaterials; biomass reutilization; material chemistry; nanocomposite; microbial fuel cells; wastewater treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Patricia Graciela Vázquez

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Guest Editor
Center for Research and Development in Applied Sciences, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), (CCT La Plata-UNLP-CICPBA) La Plata National University, 47 N 257, CP B1900AYB La Plata, Argentina
Interests: biowastes; circular economy; green chemistry; catalysis; environmental science; sol-gel technique; functionalized supports
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mohd. Hazwan Hussin

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Guest Editor
Materials Technology Research Group (MaTReC), School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Penang, Malaysia
Interests: biomass (particularly lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose) and bioresources process; physical electrochemistry (polarization, impedance, electrochemical noise); corrosion protection (inhibitors and coatings); material technology (polymer electrolytes, absorbent, adhesives, and composites)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advancements in efficient energy sources have played a pivotal role in determining the present world energy structure. Renewable biomass energy has been incorporated in industrial regulations and policies in many European countries. Based on the statistics, more than one-seventh of the total world energy consumption is generated from biomass.

The renewable energies movement was prompted by two important factors: a) growing world energy consumption and b) the abundance of generated biomass residues, especially in agriculture. In the case of the first, batteries containing different metals are considered, as is the production of items for human consumption (food, clothing, home comfort, etc.). In the second case, the biomass waste from plants and animals, as byproducts of cultivating and production process, is the main source of generated waste.

In agriculture, for example, rice paddies generate rice husks, wheat generates wheat straws, oil palm generates empty fruit bunches, and there are many more related examples. In animal breeding, manure and crustacean shells are some of the byproducts. Consequently, the annual global production of waste, through its considerable increase, has caused serious problems in the soils in which it is present, and its possible conversion and reuse is being explored. Biomass can be used as an alternative material for certain applications due to its carbon-rich structure. In such applications, biomass typically starts by concentrating the carbon in the structure by removing other elements, known as carbonization. Researchers are mainly focused on biomass as activated carbon, due to its cost-effectiveness. Biomass, when converted into a material similar to graphene or graphite, can be used as clean energy in products with added value, such as an electrode in batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, etc.

The waste that is produced by human activities can be used in different technological activities with a sustainable basis. Among them, hygienic paints and fabrics for antimicrobial use have been the object of study for different research groups in recent years.

This Special Issue welcomes full papers, short communications, and review articles highlighting aspects of the current trends in the area of development and application of renewable chemicals from biomass and waste.

Dr. Mohamad Nasir Mohamad Ibrahim
Dr. Patricia Graciela Vázquez
Dr. Mohd Hazwan Hussin
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • biomass waste reutilization
  • applications of lignin
  • applications of cellulose and hemicellulose
  • energy generation from biomass/waste
  • biochemistry of biomass/waste
  • hygienic paints
  • antimicrobial fabrics

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 4573 KiB  
Article
Phenol Liquefaction of Waste Sawdust Pretreated by Sodium Hydroxide: Optimization of Parameters Using Response Surface Methodology
by Shihao Lv, Xiaoli Lin, Zhenzhong Gao, Xianfeng Hou, Haiyang Zhou and Jin Sun
Molecules 2022, 27(22), 7880; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227880 - 15 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1816
Abstract
In this study, a two-step method was used to realize the liquefaction of waste sawdust under atmospheric pressure, and to achieve a high liquefaction rate. Specifically, waste sawdust was pretreated with NaOH, followed by liquefaction using phenol. The relative optimum condition for alkali–heat [...] Read more.
In this study, a two-step method was used to realize the liquefaction of waste sawdust under atmospheric pressure, and to achieve a high liquefaction rate. Specifically, waste sawdust was pretreated with NaOH, followed by liquefaction using phenol. The relative optimum condition for alkali–heat pretreatment was a 1:1 mass ratio of NaOH to sawdust at 140 °C. The reaction parameters including the mass ratio of phenol to pretreated sawdust, liquefaction temperature, and liquefaction time were optimized by response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for phenol liquefaction of pretreated sawdust were a 4.21 mass ratio of phenol to sawdust, a liquefaction temperature of 173.58 °C, and a liquefaction time of 2.24 h, resulting in corresponding liquefied residues of 6.35%. The liquefaction rate reached 93.65%. Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze untreated waste sawdust, pretreated sawdust, liquefied residues, and liquefied liquid. SEM results showed that the alkali–heat pretreatment and liquefaction reactions destroyed the intact, dense, and homogeneous sample structures. FT-IR results showed that liquefied residues contain aromatic compounds with different substituents, including mainly lignin and its derivatives, while the liquefied liquid contains a large number of aromatic phenolic compounds. XRD showed that alkali–heat pretreatment and phenol liquefaction destroyed most of the crystalline regions, greatly reduced the crystallinity and changed the crystal type of cellulose in the sawdust. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development and Application of Renewable Chemicals from Biomass and Waste)
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12 pages, 2473 KiB  
Article
Use of Pineapple Waste as Fuel in Microbial Fuel Cell for the Generation of Bioelectricity
by Segundo Rojas-Flores, Renny Nazario-Naveda, Santiago M. Benites, Moisés Gallozzo-Cardenas, Daniel Delfín-Narciso and Félix Díaz
Molecules 2022, 27(21), 7389; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217389 - 31 Oct 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5135
Abstract
The excessive use of fossil sources for the generation of electrical energy and the increase in different organic wastes have caused great damage to the environment; these problems have promoted new ways of generating electricity in an eco-friendly manner using organic waste. In [...] Read more.
The excessive use of fossil sources for the generation of electrical energy and the increase in different organic wastes have caused great damage to the environment; these problems have promoted new ways of generating electricity in an eco-friendly manner using organic waste. In this sense, this research uses single-chamber microbial fuel cells with zinc and copper as electrodes and pineapple waste as fuel (substrate). Current and voltage peaks of 4.95667 ± 0.54775 mA and 0.99 ± 0.03 V were generated on days 16 and 20, respectively, with the substrate operating at an acid pH of 5.21 ± 0.18 and an electrical conductivity of 145.16 ± 9.86 mS/cm at two degrees Brix. Thus, it was also found that the internal resistance of the cells was 865.845 ± 4.726 Ω, and a maximum power density of 513.99 ± 6.54 mW/m2 was generated at a current density of 6.123 A/m2, and the final FTIR spectrum showed a clear decrease in the initial transmittance peaks. Finally, from the biofilm formed on the anodic electrode, it was possible to molecularly identify the yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus with 99.82% accuracy. In this way, this research provides a method that companies exporting and importing this fruit may use to generate electrical energy from its waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development and Application of Renewable Chemicals from Biomass and Waste)
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12 pages, 3294 KiB  
Article
Introducing a Linear Empirical Correlation for Predicting the Mass Heat Capacity of Biomaterials
by Reza Iranmanesh, Afham Pourahmad, Fardad Faress, Sevil Tutunchian, Mohammad Amin Ariana, Hamed Sadeqi, Saleh Hosseini, Falah Alobaid and Babak Aghel
Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6540; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196540 - 3 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2084
Abstract
This study correlated biomass heat capacity (Cp) with the chemistry (sulfur and ash content), crystallinity index, and temperature of various samples. A five-parameter linear correlation predicted 576 biomass Cp samples from four different origins with the absolute average relative deviation (AARD%) of ~1.1%. [...] Read more.
This study correlated biomass heat capacity (Cp) with the chemistry (sulfur and ash content), crystallinity index, and temperature of various samples. A five-parameter linear correlation predicted 576 biomass Cp samples from four different origins with the absolute average relative deviation (AARD%) of ~1.1%. The proportional reduction in error (REE) approved that ash and sulfur contents only enlarge the correlation and have little effect on the accuracy. Furthermore, the REE showed that the temperature effect on biomass heat capacity was stronger than on the crystallinity index. Consequently, a new three-parameter correlation utilizing crystallinity index and temperature was developed. This model was more straightforward than the five-parameter correlation and provided better predictions (AARD = 0.98%). The proposed three-parameter correlation predicted the heat capacity of four different biomass classes with residual errors between −0.02 to 0.02 J/g∙K. The literature related biomass Cp to temperature using quadratic and linear correlations, and ignored the effect of the chemistry of the samples. These quadratic and linear correlations predicted the biomass Cp of the available database with an AARD of 39.19% and 1.29%, respectively. Our proposed model was the first work incorporating sample chemistry in biomass Cp estimation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development and Application of Renewable Chemicals from Biomass and Waste)
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16 pages, 2760 KiB  
Article
Nypa fruticans Frond Waste for Pure Cellulose Utilizing Sulphur-Free and Totally Chlorine-Free Processes
by Evelyn, Sunarno, David Andrio, Azka Aman and Hiroshi Ohi
Molecules 2022, 27(17), 5662; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175662 - 2 Sep 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5675
Abstract
The search for alternative methods for the production of new materials or fuel from renewable and sustainable biomass feedstocks has gained increasing attention. In this study, Nypa fruticans (nipa palm) fronds from agricultural residues were evaluated to produce pure cellulose by combining prehydrolysis [...] Read more.
The search for alternative methods for the production of new materials or fuel from renewable and sustainable biomass feedstocks has gained increasing attention. In this study, Nypa fruticans (nipa palm) fronds from agricultural residues were evaluated to produce pure cellulose by combining prehydrolysis for 1–3 h at 150 °C, sulfur-free soda cooking for 1–1.5 h at 160 °C with 13–25% active alkali (AA), 0.1% soluble anthraquinone (SAQ) catalyst, and three-stage totally chlorine-free (TCF) bleaching, namely oxygen, peroxymonosulfuric acid, and alkaline hydrogen peroxide stages. The optimal conditions were 3 h prehydrolysis and 1.5 h cooking with 20% AA. Soda cooking with SAQ was better than the kraft and soda process without SAQ. The method decreased the kappa number as a residual lignin content index of pulp from 13.4 to 9.9–10.2 and improved the yields by approximately 6%. The TCF bleaching application produced pure cellulose with a brightness of 92.2% ISO, 94.8% α-cellulose, viscosity of 7.9 cP, and 0.2% ash content. These findings show that nipa palm fronds can be used to produce pure cellulose, serving as a dissolving pulp grade for viscose rayon and cellulose derivatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development and Application of Renewable Chemicals from Biomass and Waste)
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11 pages, 2241 KiB  
Article
Electric Current Generation by Increasing Sucrose in Papaya Waste in Microbial Fuel Cells
by Segundo Rojas-Flores, Magaly De La Cruz-Noriega, Santiago M. Benites, Daniel Delfín-Narciso, Angelats-Silva Luis, Felix Díaz, Cabanillas-Chirinos Luis and Gallozzo Cardenas Moises
Molecules 2022, 27(16), 5198; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27165198 - 15 Aug 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2406
Abstract
The accelerated increase in energy consumption by human activity has generated an increase in the search for new energies that do not pollute the environment, due to this, microbial fuel cells are shown as a promising technology. The objective of this research was [...] Read more.
The accelerated increase in energy consumption by human activity has generated an increase in the search for new energies that do not pollute the environment, due to this, microbial fuel cells are shown as a promising technology. The objective of this research was to observe the influence on the generation of bioelectricity of sucrose, with different percentages (0%, 5%, 10% and 20%), in papaya waste using microbial fuel cells (MFCs). It was possible to generate voltage and current peaks of 0.955 V and 5.079 mA for the cell with 20% sucrose, which operated at an optimal pH of 4.98 on day fifteen. In the same way, the internal resistance values of all the cells were influenced by the increase in sucrose, showing that the cell without sucrose was 0.1952 ± 0.00214 KΩ and with 20% it was 0.044306 ± 0.0014 KΩ. The maximum power density was 583.09 mW/cm2 at a current density of 407.13 A/cm2 and with a peak voltage of 910.94 mV, while phenolic compounds are the ones with the greatest presence in the FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) absorbance spectrum. We were able to molecularly identify the species Achromobacter xylosoxidans (99.32%), Acinetobacter bereziniae (99.93%) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (100%) present in the anode electrode of the MFCs. This research gives a novel use for sucrose to increase the energy values in a microbial fuel cell, improving the existing ones and generating a novel way of generating electricity that is friendly to the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development and Application of Renewable Chemicals from Biomass and Waste)
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22 pages, 3402 KiB  
Article
Mass Balance and Compositional Analysis of Biomass Outputs from Cacao Fruits
by Marisol Vergara-Mendoza, Genny R. Martínez, Cristian Blanco-Tirado and Marianny Y. Combariza
Molecules 2022, 27(12), 3717; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27123717 - 9 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3222
Abstract
The global chocolate value chain is based exclusively on cacao beans (CBs). With few exceptions, most CBs traded worldwide are produced under a linear economy model, where only 8 to 10% of the biomass ends up in chocolate-related products. This contribution reports the [...] Read more.
The global chocolate value chain is based exclusively on cacao beans (CBs). With few exceptions, most CBs traded worldwide are produced under a linear economy model, where only 8 to 10% of the biomass ends up in chocolate-related products. This contribution reports the mass balance and composition dynamics of cacao fruit biomass outputs throughout one full year of the crop cycle. This information is relevant because future biorefinery developments and the efficient use of cacao fruits will depend on reliable, robust, and time-dependent compositional and mass balance data. Cacao husk (CH), beans (CBs), and placenta (CP) constitute, as dry weight, 8.92 ± 0.90 wt %, 8.87 ± 0.52 wt %, and 0.57 ± 0.05 wt % of the cacao fruit, respectively, while moisture makes up most of the biomass weight (71.6 ± 2.29 wt %). CH and CP are solid lignocellulosic outputs. Interestingly, the highest cellulose and lignin contents in CH coincide with cacao’s primary harvest season (October to January). CB contains carbohydrates, fats, protein, ash, and phenolic compounds. The total polyphenol content in CBs is time-dependent, reaching maxima values during the harvest seasons. In addition, the fruit contains 4.13 ± 0.80 wt % of CME, a sugar- and nutrient-rich liquid output, with an average of 20 wt % of simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), in addition to minerals (mainly K and Ca) and proteins. The total carbohydrate content in CME changes dramatically throughout the year, with a minimum of 10 wt % from August to January and a maximum of 29 wt % in March. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development and Application of Renewable Chemicals from Biomass and Waste)
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15 pages, 11509 KiB  
Article
Starch-Silane Structure and Its Influence on the Hydrophobic Properties of Paper
by Tomasz Nowak, Bartłomiej Mazela, Konrad Olejnik, Barbara Peplińska and Waldemar Perdoch
Molecules 2022, 27(10), 3136; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27103136 - 13 May 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3836
Abstract
Starch is an inexpensive, easily accessible, and widespread natural polymer. Due to its properties and availability, this polysaccharide is an attractive precursor for sustainable products. Considering its exploitation in adhesives and coatings, the major drawback of starch is its high affinity towards water. [...] Read more.
Starch is an inexpensive, easily accessible, and widespread natural polymer. Due to its properties and availability, this polysaccharide is an attractive precursor for sustainable products. Considering its exploitation in adhesives and coatings, the major drawback of starch is its high affinity towards water. This study aims to explain the influence of the silane-starch coating on the hydrophobic properties of paper. The analysis of the organosilicon modified starch properties showed an enhanced hydrophobic behavior, suggesting higher durability for the coatings. Molecules of silanes with short aliphatic carbon chains were easily embedded in the starch structure. Longer side chains of silanes were primarily localized on the surface of the starch structure. The best hydrophobic properties were obtained for the paper coated with the composition based on starch and methyltrimethoxysilane. This coating also improved the bursting resistance and compressive strength of the tested paper. A static contact angle higher than 115° was achieved. PDA analysis confirmed the examined material exhibited high barrier properties towards water. The results extend the knowledge of the interaction of silane compositions in the presence of starch. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development and Application of Renewable Chemicals from Biomass and Waste)
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30 pages, 6055 KiB  
Article
Behaviour of Extractives in Norway Spruce (Picea abies) Bark during Pile Storage
by Eelis S. Halmemies, Raimo Alén, Jarkko Hellström, Otto Läspä, Juha Nurmi, Maija Hujala and Hanna E. Brännström
Molecules 2022, 27(4), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27041186 - 10 Feb 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2443
Abstract
The current practices regarding the procurement chain of forest industry sidestreams, such as conifer bark, do not always lead to optimal conditions for preserving individual chemical compounds. This study investigates the standard way of storing bark in large piles in an open area. [...] Read more.
The current practices regarding the procurement chain of forest industry sidestreams, such as conifer bark, do not always lead to optimal conditions for preserving individual chemical compounds. This study investigates the standard way of storing bark in large piles in an open area. We mainly focus on the degradation of the most essential hydrophilic and hydrophobic extractives and carbohydrates. First, two large 450 m3 piles of bark from Norway spruce (Picea abies) were formed, one of which was covered with snow. The degradation of the bark extractives was monitored for 24 weeks. Samples were taken from the middle, side and top of the pile. Each sample was extracted at 120 °C with both n-hexane and water, and the extracts produced were then analysed chromatographically using gas chromatography with flame ionisation or mass selective detection and high-performance liquid chromatography. The carbohydrates were next analysed using acidic hydrolysis and acidic methanolysis, followed by chromatographic separation of the monosaccharides formed and their derivatives. The results showed that the most intensive degradation occurred during the first 4 weeks of storage. The levels of hydrophilic extractives were also found to decrease drastically (69% in normal pile and 73% in snow-covered pile) during storage, whereas the decrease in hydrophobic extractives was relatively stable (15% in normal pile and 8% in snow-covered pile). The top of the piles exhibited the most significant decrease in the total level of extractives (73% in normal and snow-covered pile), whereas the bark in the middle of the pile retained the highest amount of extractives (decreased by 51% in normal pile and 47% in snow-covered pile) after 24-week storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development and Application of Renewable Chemicals from Biomass and Waste)
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15 pages, 4455 KiB  
Article
Physicochemical Characteristics of Biofuel Briquettes Made from Pecan (Carya illinoensis) Pericarp Wastes of Different Particle Sizes
by Maginot Ngangyo Heya, Ana Leticia Romo Hernández, Rahim Foroughbakhch Pournavab, Luis Fernando Ibarra Pintor, Lourdes Díaz-Jiménez, Michel Stéphane Heya, Lidia Rosaura Salas Cruz and Artemio Carrillo Parra
Molecules 2022, 27(3), 1035; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27031035 - 3 Feb 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2689
Abstract
Pecan nut (Carya illinoensis) pericarp is usually considered as a waste, with no or low value applications. Its potential as a densified solid biofuel has been evaluated, searching for alternatives to generating quality renewable energy and reducing polluting emissions in the [...] Read more.
Pecan nut (Carya illinoensis) pericarp is usually considered as a waste, with no or low value applications. Its potential as a densified solid biofuel has been evaluated, searching for alternatives to generating quality renewable energy and reducing polluting emissions in the atmosphere, based on particle size, that is an important feedstock property. Therefore, agro-industrial residues from the pecan nut harvest were collected, milled and sieved to four different granulometry: 1.6 mm (N° 12), 0.84 mm (N° 20), 0.42 mm (N° 40), and 0.25 mm (N° 60), used as raw material for biofuel briquette production. The carbon and oxygen functional groups in the base material were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proximate analyses were performed following international standards, for determining the moisture content, volatile materials, fixed carbon, ash content, and calorific value. For the biofuel briquettes made from base material of different particle sizes, the physical characteristics (density, hardness, swelling, and impact resistance index) and energy potential (calorific value) were determined to define their quality as a biofuel. The physical transformation of the pecan pericarp wastes into briquettes improved its quality as a solid biofuel, with calorific values from around 17.00 MJ/kg for the base material to around 18.00 MJ/kg for briquettes, regardless of particle size. Briquettes from sieve number 40 had the highest density (1.25 g/cm3). Briquettes from sieve number 60 (finest particles) presented the greater hardness (99.85). The greatest susceptibility to swelling (0.31) was registered for briquettes with the largest particle size (sieve number 20). The IRI was 200 for all treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development and Application of Renewable Chemicals from Biomass and Waste)
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14 pages, 2768 KiB  
Article
Use of Onion Waste as Fuel for the Generation of Bioelectricity
by Rojas-Flores Segundo, Magaly De La Cruz-Noriega, Nélida Milly Otiniano, Santiago M. Benites, Mario Esparza and Renny Nazario-Naveda
Molecules 2022, 27(3), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27030625 - 19 Jan 2022
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5929
Abstract
The enormous environmental problems that arise from organic waste have increased due to the significant population increase worldwide. Microbial fuel cells provide a novel solution for the use of waste as fuel for electricity generation. In this investigation, onion waste was used, and [...] Read more.
The enormous environmental problems that arise from organic waste have increased due to the significant population increase worldwide. Microbial fuel cells provide a novel solution for the use of waste as fuel for electricity generation. In this investigation, onion waste was used, and managed to generate maximum peaks of 4.459 ± 0.0608 mA and 0.991 ± 0.02 V of current and voltage, respectively. The conductivity values increased rapidly to 179,987 ± 2859 mS/cm, while the optimal pH in which the most significant current was generated was 6968 ± 0.286, and the ° Brix values decreased rapidly due to the degradation of organic matter. The microbial fuel cells showed a low internal resistance (154,389 ± 5228 Ω), with a power density of 595.69 ± 15.05 mW/cm2 at a current density of 6.02 A/cm2; these values are higher than those reported by other authors in the literature. The diffractogram spectra of the onion debris from FTIR show a decrease in the most intense peaks, compared to the initial ones with the final ones. It was possible to identify the species Pseudomona eruginosa, Acinetobacter bereziniae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Yarrowia lipolytica adhered to the anode electrode at the end of the monitoring using the molecular technique. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development and Application of Renewable Chemicals from Biomass and Waste)
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17 pages, 10990 KiB  
Article
Acid-Catalyzed Liquefaction of Biomasses from Poplar Clones for Short Rotation Coppice Cultivations
by Ivo Paulo, Luis Costa, Abel Rodrigues, Sofia Orišková, Sandro Matos, Diogo Gonçalves, Ana Raquel Gonçalves, Luciana Silva, Salomé Vieira, João Carlos Bordado and Rui Galhano dos Santos
Molecules 2022, 27(1), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27010304 - 4 Jan 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2397
Abstract
Liquefaction of biomass delivers a liquid bio-oil with relevant chemical and energetic applications. In this study we coupled it with short rotation coppice (SRC) intensively managed poplar cultivations aimed at biomass production while safeguarding environmental principles of soil quality and biodiversity. We carried [...] Read more.
Liquefaction of biomass delivers a liquid bio-oil with relevant chemical and energetic applications. In this study we coupled it with short rotation coppice (SRC) intensively managed poplar cultivations aimed at biomass production while safeguarding environmental principles of soil quality and biodiversity. We carried out acid-catalyzed liquefaction, at 160 °C and atmospheric pressure, with eight poplar clones from SRC cultivations. The bio-oil yields were high, ranging between 70.7 and 81.5%. Average gains of bio-oil, by comparison of raw biomasses, in elementary carbon and hydrogen and high heating, were 25.6, 67, and 74%, respectively. Loss of oxygen and O/C ratios averaged 38 and 51%, respectively. Amounts of elementary carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen in bio-oil were 65, 26, and 8.7%, and HHV averaged 30.5 MJkg−1. Correlation analysis showed the interrelation between elementary carbon with HHV in bio-oil or with oxygen loss. Overall, from 55 correlations, 21 significant and high correlations among a set of 11 variables were found. Among the most relevant ones, the percentage of elementary carbon presented five significant correlations with the percentage of O (−0.980), percentage of C gain (0.902), percentage of O loss (0.973), HHV gain (0.917), and O/C loss (0.943). The amount of carbon is directly correlated with the amount of oxygen, conversely, the decrease in oxygen content increases the elementary carbon and hydrogen concentration, which leads to an improvement in HHV. HHV gain showed a strong positive dependence on the percentage of C (0.917) and percentage of C gain (0.943), while the elementary oxygen (−0.885) and its percentage of O loss (0.978) adversely affect the HHV gain. Consequently, the O/C loss (0.970) increases the HHV positively. van Krevelen’s analysis indicated that bio-oils are chemically compatible with liquid fossil fuels. FTIR-ATR evidenced the presence of derivatives of depolymerization of lignin and cellulose in raw biomasses in bio-oil. TGA/DTG confirmed the bio-oil burning aptitude by the high average 53% mass loss of volatiles associated with lowered peaking decomposition temperatures by 100 °C than raw biomasses. Overall, this research shows the potential of bio-oil from liquefaction of SRC biomasses for the contribution of renewable energy and chemical deliverables, and thereby, to a greener global economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development and Application of Renewable Chemicals from Biomass and Waste)
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