Achievements and Prospects of Biomass Pyrolysis

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 6523

Special Issue Editor

Departamento de Ciencias, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Campus de Arrosadia, E-31006 Pamplona, Spain
Interests: thermochemical processes; pyrolysis; biomass conversion; waste valorization; solid adsorbents; CO2 capture;CO2 valorization; CO2 catalytic conversion; methanation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biomass is a promising carbon-based renewable and sustainable source of energy and value-added products. Pyrolysis produces solid (char), liquid (bio-oil), and gaseous products and is one of the thermochemical valorization routes proposed for the conversion of biomass into fuels and other products. Pyrolysis of biomass is experiencing increasing interest since the substitution of fossil fuels and the products derived from them by biofuels and bioproducts reduces the dependence on non-renewable resources (which in turn will help to cope with possible future crises resulting from the depletion of fossil fuels) and contributes to the mitigation of CO2 emissions. Although pyrolysis has been used since ancient times (e.g., charcoal production), it is still a technology susceptible to further improvements toward real large-scale deployment.

With the above in mind, this Special Issue on “Achievements and Prospects of Biomass Pyrolysis” is devoted to both relevant achievements already made with regard to biomass pyrolysis and future trends for this conversion technology. We encourage you to share your latest research on biomass pyrolysis with proven applications and/or implementation and your state-of-the-art compilations, but also your very innovative proposals, and your vision on the future of this process and which you think will be the key aspects for its development from now on. Original research articles, reviews, and perspective papers are welcomed. We look forward to receiving your submissions.

Dr. María Atienza-Martínez
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Biomass conversion
  • Lignocellulosic biomass
  • Biomass waste
  • Pyrolysis
  • Co-pyrolysis
  • Catalytic pyrolysis
  • Bioproducts
  • Biofuels
  • Sustainable energy sources
  • Bioenergy

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

26 pages, 17231 KiB  
Article
Catalytic Pyrolysis of Lignin Model Compounds (Pyrocatechol, Guaiacol, Vanillic and Ferulic Acids) over Nanoceria Catalyst for Biomass Conversion
by Nataliia Nastasiienko, Tetiana Kulik, Borys Palianytsia, Julia Laskin, Tetiana Cherniavska, Mykola Kartel and Mats Larsson
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7205; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11167205 - 05 Aug 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2592
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of thermal transformations of model lignin compounds (MLC) over nanoscale catalysts is important for improving the technologic processes occurring in the pyrolytic conversion of lignocellulose biomass into biofuels and value-added chemicals. Herein, we investigate catalytic pyrolysis of MLC (pyrocatechol (P), [...] Read more.
Understanding the mechanisms of thermal transformations of model lignin compounds (MLC) over nanoscale catalysts is important for improving the technologic processes occurring in the pyrolytic conversion of lignocellulose biomass into biofuels and value-added chemicals. Herein, we investigate catalytic pyrolysis of MLC (pyrocatechol (P), guaiacol (G), ferulic (FA), and vanillic acids (VA)) over nanoceria using FT-IR spectroscopy, temperature-programmed desorption mass spectrometry (TPD MS), and thermogravimetric analysis (DTG/DTA/TG). FT-IR spectroscopic studies indicate that the active groups of aromatic rings of P, G, VA, and FA as well as carboxylate groups of VA and FA are involved in the interaction with nanoceria surface. We explore the general transformation mechanisms of different surface complexes and identify their decomposition products. We demonstrate that decomposition of carboxylate acid complexes occurs by decarboxylation. When FA is used as a precursor, this reaction generates 4-vinylguaiacol. Complexes of VA and FA formed through both active groups of the aromatic ring and decompose on the CeO2 surface to generate hydroxybenzene. The formation of alkylated products accompanies catalytic pyrolysis of acids due to processes of transalkylation on the surface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achievements and Prospects of Biomass Pyrolysis)
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27 pages, 3208 KiB  
Article
Potential for Farmers’ Cooperatives to Convert Coffee Husks into Biochar and Promote the Bioeconomy in the North Ecuadorian Amazon
by Mario A. Heredia Salgado, Ina Säumel, Andrea Cianferoni and Luís A. C. Tarelho
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 4747; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11114747 - 21 May 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3330
Abstract
Improving the livelihoods of communities living in fragile ecosystems, such as tropical forests, is among the main strategies to promote their conservation and preserve wildlife. In the Ecuadorian Amazon, farmers’ cooperatives are recognized as an important mechanism to improve the socioeconomic conditions of [...] Read more.
Improving the livelihoods of communities living in fragile ecosystems, such as tropical forests, is among the main strategies to promote their conservation and preserve wildlife. In the Ecuadorian Amazon, farmers’ cooperatives are recognized as an important mechanism to improve the socioeconomic conditions of local communities. This study analyzes the integration of pyrolysis processes to convert agricultural waste into biochar as a way to implement the bioeconomy in these organizations. We found that post-harvesting processes in the studied farmers’ cooperatives are similar, and coffee husks are a potential feedstock to produce biochar. Although the environmental policies in Ecuador consider the valorization of agricultural waste, we did not find any specific standard to regulate the operation of pyrolysis facilities. Nonetheless, conversion of agricultural waste into biochar can contribute to (i) replacement of subsidized fossil fuels used in drying processes, (ii) prevention of environmental pollution caused by accumulation of waste, (iii) emergence of new income sources linked with the provision of carbon sequestration services, and (iv) the long-term maintenance of soil fertility. Currently, demonstration projects are needed to stimulate collaboration among farmers’ cooperatives, academia, the government, international cooperation agencies, and existing forest conservation initiatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achievements and Prospects of Biomass Pyrolysis)
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