RenFuel’s Post

Defossilisation is becoming increasingly important due to climate change and finiteness of fossil resources. 🌍 Hereby, biomass plays a major role as not only a renewable source of energy, but also as the only renewable source of carbon. One important kind of biomass is so called lignocellulosic biomass that derives from plant materials. These materials are abundant in nature and can be found in various forms such as agricultural residues (like corn stover, wheat straw), forestry residues (like wood chips, sawdust) or dedicated energy crops (like switchgrass, miscanthus). They are mainly composed of three components: lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. Based on the feedstock itself, proportions of these components vary. Due to the fact that the chemical composition of each of these three components is different, lignicellulosic biomass offers a wide range of applications: While lignin is mainly used for energy generation, especially hemicellulose and cellulose can be further processed for e.g. chemical industry or pharmaceutical use. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤? In a first step, specific pre-treatments are required to make the individual components available. Hereby, technologies like biochemical or thermochemical conversion, and enzymatic hydrolysis are used to break down the complex structure into intermediates. Afterwards these intermediates can then be further processed into biofuels, biochemicals, or other bio-based products. To give you an example: Did you know that you can produce industrial de-icing agents for streets and walkways based on lignocellulose? 🌱 #Womenintech #renewableresources #sustainability

Bio-based raw materials Similar to the traditional concept of an oil refinery, ‘biorefineries’ convert renewable bio-based feedstocks into useful chemicals. Biomass is a relatively quickly renewing resource and is typically divided into first-generation and second-generation feedstocks.  First-generation biomass remains controversial, owing to ethical concerns about the potential competition with food resources, especially in local settings. Second-generation biomass describes various non-edible biowastes that offer a more ethically viable and widely available, albeit more complex, feedstock.  For example, more than 1 billion tonnes of agricultural and food waste are produced globally each year, and ~20% of domestic waste is food waste. Research towards future biorefineries aims to establish processes to convert lignocellulosic biomass, such as wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse.  Each bioplastic feedstock has its own set of challenges. It is crucial to increase the conversion efficiency of renewable resources into useful chemicals in biorefineries. Examples include enhanced pretreatment methodologies and more robust microorganisms for fermentation. Be the Next Savior One! #Biobased #plastic #Raw_material #pollution #biorefineries #renewable #Biomass #bioplastic #fermentation

My recent review paper on hydrogel Forest waste is a crucial by-product of industries such as sawmills and timber processing facilities. Lignin is extracted from these residues; due to its high abundance, sustainability, inexpensiveness, and good functionality, it is a low-cost, eco-friendly, green, readily available biomass material for hydrogel synthesis. Various techniques, including chemical pulping (alkaline pulping, kraft pulping, soda pulping), acidic pulping (acid sulfite pulping, acidic hydrolysis), organosolv fractionation including microwave-assisted extraction, ionic liquid dissolution, physical processes (steam explosion, homogenization, ultrasonication) and biochemical reactions (enzymatic hydrolysis), are all used to extract lignin from forest residues. The extracted lignin is then processed into a hydrogel through physical and chemical interactions. This review highlights some essential lignin extraction processes, lignin-based hydrogel production techniques, advanced technologies that can be used for hydrogel synthesis (freeze-thawing, stereo complex formation, microwave-assisted synthesis, one-pot synthesis, heat-induced synthesis), and its potential significance of lignin-based hydrogel in different fields such as biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors.

Have fun reading this insightful work on sustainable organosolv lignin extraction!

𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭: 𝐀 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 The global #Lignin #Market, valued at $1,023.43 million in 2023, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.37%, reaching nearly $1,205.78 million by 2030. As the second most abundant component of biomass, lignin presents an incredible opportunity for the chemical industry as a sustainable, renewable resource. 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐃𝐅: https://lnkd.in/dKSSZGeP 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧? Lignin is one of the few non-petroleum sources of aromatic compounds and plays a crucial role in bio-refineries. Its potential to be converted into value-added products can significantly enhance bio-profitability. The increasing demand for organic additives across various sectors is expected to drive this market forward. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡: 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: With the urgent need for alternatives to fossil fuels—currently responsible for 80% of chemical production—lignocellulosic biomass emerges as a promising renewable carbon source. 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Lignin is making waves across industries, from construction and pharmaceuticals to agriculture and animal feed. Its use as an additive in concrete and as a key component in animal feed is expanding rapidly. 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Significant investments in eco-friendly infrastructure projects are further boosting the demand for lignin, particularly in the building and construction sectors. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐃𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬: While the lignin market is experiencing robust growth, challenges like lack of awareness and technological constraints remain. However, the outlook is promising, driven by increased R&D efforts and innovative applications. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: Europe currently leads the market, thanks to stringent regulations and a growing preference for bio-based materials. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is poised for rapid growth, driven by a surge in demand across various applications. #𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 #𝘚𝘪𝘻𝘦 #𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩 #𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 #𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 #𝘋𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥 #𝘚𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘦 #𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘵

As Guest Editor for the Special Issue "Advances in Sustainable Bioenergy Production and Biomass waste Reutilization" in Sustainability-MDPI publisher, I would like to share all interested research articles that we collected for this special issue as followed: #MDPIspecialissue #Specialissue #Guesteditor #Biomassutilization #Sustainablebioenergy #biomasswaste #MDPIpublisher MDPI

👉We are thrilled to share our latest research findings, guided by the expertise of Prof. Kaustubha Mohanty, as we delve into the fascinating connection. between light, nitrogen, and phosphate in microalgae carbon fixation. 👉 To fully harness the power of CO2-based carbon fixation in biomass, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of how nutrients and light interact at different stages of growth. Having a deep understanding of this knowledge is crucial for driving impactful growth in microalgae and providing opportunities for sustainable solutions in biomass production. Excited to explore the crucial role of microalgal processes in regulating growth and carbon and nitrogen assimilation in biomass under elevated CO2 conditions 👉Our focus on dissecting nutrient and light constraints is propelling the development of enhanced carbon fixation methods. By striking a harmonious balance between growth promotion and lipid synthesis optimization, we're ensuring maximal efficiency without sacrificing biomass. Our strides in cultivation practices include effective management of extracellular carbon release, paving the way for media recycling. Thrilled to delve into the pivotal aspect of microalgal processes controlling growth under elevated CO2 conditions. #CO2capture #Microalgae #Recycling #Wastewater #Biofuel #Biomassproduction #Reserach #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalScience #Bioenergy Check out the article here: https://lnkd.in/gk8Enixc. 50 days' free access to the full article: https://lnkd.in/gTTcVadE

This #feedstockfriday we look at how #hemicellulose can be converted into industrial sugars as part of our process in the #LeunaBiorefinery. Being an important component of lignocellulosic biomass, the conversion of hemicellulose to biomaterials is important to maximize the yield of the biomass in our biorefinery concept. 🌳 As part of the pre-treatment process, the hemicellulose is separated and converted into industrial sugars. 🌳 Hemicellulose-based industrial sugars can be processed further into a large variety of products including fuel, food and polymers for diverse applications. In our biorefinery in Leuna, we will combine the best of wood processing technology with innovative chemistry, to refine the biomass into high-value base and performance chemicals. #upmbiorefining #upmbiochemicals #beyondfossils

🌱🌍 Just published a study on the potential of raw and pressed cashew nutshell residues for bioenergy and renewable chemicals. 🚀 Our research delves into the physicochemical characterization and pyrolysis processing of these residues, unveiling their untapped potential. 🔬🔄 The pyrolysis behavior, analyzed with precision using advanced techniques like Py-GC/MS, revealed fascinating insights. 💡 The study not only provides a deeper understanding of the pyrolysis route but also demonstrates the potential of converting cashew nutshell residues into renewable chemicals, aligning with the principles of the circular economy. ♻️ 🔥 The Asym2sig deconvolution function uncovered distinct devolatilization events, unveiling the intricate pyrolysis kinetics. 📊 The average activation energies and pre-exponential factors, crucial parameters in the process, were meticulously determined, paving the way for efficient conversion. 🌿 Aliphatic hydrocarbons dominate at 650 °C, while oxygenated compounds appear at 450 and 550 °C, emphasizing the versatility of the process. 🌈 🎓 Full article available https://lnkd.in/d4UZbB8C. Our research is a big step towards using cashew nutshell waste for making energy and eco-friendly solutions. 🌱🔧 #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #CircularEconomy #Bioenergy #Pyrolysis 🌐✨