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Lignin-First Biorefinery for Converting Lignocellulosic Biomass into Fuels and Chemicals

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  • Zhongyang Luo

    (State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)

  • Qian Qian

    (State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)

  • Haoran Sun

    (State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)

  • Qi Wei

    (State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)

  • Jinsong Zhou

    (State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)

  • Kaige Wang

    (State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)

Abstract

Driven by the excessive consumption of fossil resources and environmental pollution concerns, a large amount of biorefinery research efforts have been made for converting lignocellulosic biomass into fuels and chemicals. Recently, a strategy termed “lignin-first,” which allows for realizing high-yield and high-selectivity aromatic monomers, is regarded as one of the best prospective strategies. This review summarizes recent research advances in lignin-first biorefinery, starting from the raw lignocellulose through lignin-first processing and moving to downstream processing pathways for intermediate compounds. In particular, for the core purpose of producing liquid fuels, the corresponding downstream processing strategies are discussed in detail. These are based on the structural properties of the intermediates derived from lignin-first biorefinery, including the catalytic conversion of lignin and its derivatives (aqueous phase system and pyrolysis system) and the cascade utilization of carbohydrate residues (fermentation, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal liquefaction). We conclude with current problems and potential solutions, as well as future perspectives on lignin-first biorefinery, which may provide the basis and reference for the efficient utilization of lignocellulosic biomass.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhongyang Luo & Qian Qian & Haoran Sun & Qi Wei & Jinsong Zhou & Kaige Wang, 2022. "Lignin-First Biorefinery for Converting Lignocellulosic Biomass into Fuels and Chemicals," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-25, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2022:i:1:p:125-:d:1011941
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Qian, Qian & Luo, Zhongyang & Miao, Feiting & Song, Caixia & Shi, Jingkang & Du, Liwen & Zhou, Qingguo & Naranov, Evgeny R., 2025. "Experimental study and process evaluation of a graded utilization strategy for woody biomass: Integration of reductive catalytic fractionation, hydrodeoxygenation, and catalytic pyrolysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
    2. Qian, Qian & Luo, Zhongyang & Sun, Haoran & Wei, Qi & Shi, Jingkang & Li, Longfei & Wang, Kaige & Zhou, Jinsong, 2024. "Process evaluation of simulated novel cellulosic ethanol biorefineries coupled with lignin thermochemical conversion," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).

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