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Harnessing Switchgrass for Sustainable Energy: Bioethanol Production Processes and Pretreatment Technologies

Author

Listed:
  • Hilal Unyay

    (Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 213, 90-924 Lodz, Poland)

  • Nuriye Altınay Perendeci

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, Akdeniz University, 07050 Antalya, Turkey)

  • Piotr Piersa

    (Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 213, 90-924 Lodz, Poland)

  • Szymon Szufa

    (Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 213, 90-924 Lodz, Poland)

  • Agata Skwarczynska-Wojsa

    (Department of Water Purification and Protection, Rzeszow University of Technology, Al. Powstanców Warszawy 12, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland)

Abstract

This paper investigates bioethanol production from switchgrass, focusing on enhancement of efficiency through various pretreatment methods and comparing two bioethanol production processes: simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) and separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF). Physical, chemical, and biological pretreatment processes are applied to enhance the breakdown of switchgrass’s lignocellulosic structure. Effects of pretreatments, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation on ethanol yield are discussed in detail. The comparative analysis reveals that SSF yields higher ethanol outputs within shorter times by integrating hydrolysis and fermentation into a single process. In contrast, SHF offers more control by separating these stages. The comparative analysis highlights that SSF achieves higher ethanol yields more efficiently, although it might restrict SHF’s operational flexibility. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current pretreatments, hydrolysis methods, and fermentation processes in bioethanol production from switchgrass, offering insights into their scalability, economic viability, and potential environmental benefits. The findings are expected to contribute to the ongoing discussions and developments in renewable bioenergy solutions, supporting advancing more sustainable and efficient bioethanol production techniques.

Suggested Citation

  • Hilal Unyay & Nuriye Altınay Perendeci & Piotr Piersa & Szymon Szufa & Agata Skwarczynska-Wojsa, 2024. "Harnessing Switchgrass for Sustainable Energy: Bioethanol Production Processes and Pretreatment Technologies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-13, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:19:p:4812-:d:1486012
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Başar, İ.A. & Kökdemir Ünşar, E. & Ünyay, H. & Perendeci, N.A., 2020. "Ethanol, methane, or both? Enzyme dose impact on ethanol and methane production from untreated energy crop switchgrass varieties," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 287-297.
    2. Zheng, Zehui & Liu, Jinhuan & Yuan, Xufeng & Wang, Xiaofen & Zhu, Wanbin & Yang, Fuyu & Cui, Zongjun, 2015. "Effect of dairy manure to switchgrass co-digestion ratio on methane production and the bacterial community in batch anaerobic digestion," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 249-257.
    3. Regis, Francesco & Monteverde, Alessandro Hugo Antonio & Fino, Debora, 2023. "A techno-economic assessment of bioethanol production from switchgrass through biomass gasification and syngas fermentation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 274(C).
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