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Variation of lignocellulosic biomass structure from torrefaction: A critical review

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  • Ong, Hwai Chyuan
  • Yu, Kai Ling
  • Chen, Wei-Hsin
  • Pillejera, Ma Katreena
  • Bi, Xiaotao
  • Tran, Khanh-Quang
  • Pétrissans, Anelie
  • Pétrissans, Mathieu

Abstract

In recent years, torrefaction, a kind of biomass thermal pretreatment technology, has received a great deal of attention due to its effective upgrading performance of biomass. Recent studies have also suggested that the quality of syngas and bio-oil (or biocrude) from the pyrolysis, gasification, and liquefaction of torrefied biomass can be effectively improved. Torrefaction changes the structure of the biomass, the degree of this change depends strongly on the severity of the torrefaction process. To have a better understanding of the impact that torrefaction has on the biomass structure, this study aims to provide a comprehensive and in-depth review of recent advances on this topic. Particular attention is paid to biomass structure analysis through thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance. From these analyses, the thermal degradation characteristics of hemicelluloses, cellulose, lignin, and other components in biomass can be recognized. In addition to the elaboration of biomass structure variation from torrefaction, future challenges and perspectives are also underlined. The insights provided in this review are conducive to the further applications of biomass torrefaction for sustainable biofuel production.

Suggested Citation

  • Ong, Hwai Chyuan & Yu, Kai Ling & Chen, Wei-Hsin & Pillejera, Ma Katreena & Bi, Xiaotao & Tran, Khanh-Quang & Pétrissans, Anelie & Pétrissans, Mathieu, 2021. "Variation of lignocellulosic biomass structure from torrefaction: A critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:152:y:2021:i:c:s1364032121009722
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111698
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    4. San Miguel, G. & Sánchez, F. & Pérez, A. & Velasco, L., 2022. "One-step torrefaction and densification of woody and herbaceous biomass feedstocks," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 825-840.
    5. Jezerska, Lucie & Sassmanova, Veronika & Prokes, Rostislav & Gelnar, Daniel, 2023. "The pelletization and torrefaction of coffee grounds, garden chaff and rapeseed straw," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 210(C), pages 346-354.
    6. Huang, Caoxing & Jiang, Xiao & Shen, Xiaojun & Hu, Jinguang & Tang, Wei & Wu, Xinxing & Ragauskas, Arthur & Jameel, Hasan & Meng, Xianzhi & Yong, Qiang, 2022. "Lignin-enzyme interaction: A roadblock for efficient enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosics," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    7. A. Silveira, Edgar & Santanna Chaves, Bruno & Macedo, Lucélia & Ghesti, Grace F. & Evaristo, Rafael B.W. & Cruz Lamas, Giulia & Luz, Sandra M. & Protásio, Thiago de Paula & Rousset, Patrick, 2023. "A hybrid optimization approach towards energy recovery from torrefied waste blends," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 151-165.
    8. Yan, Puxiang & Wang, Haiyong & Liao, Yuhe & Wang, Chenguang, 2023. "Zeolite catalysts for the valorization of biomass into platform compounds and biochemicals/biofuels: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).

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