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Maximizing the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass: Process development and analysis

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  • Ahn, Byeongchan
  • Park, Chulhwan
  • Liu, J. Jay
  • Ok, Yong Sik
  • Won, Wangyun

Abstract

Herein, an innovative strategy is proposed for the manufacture of biochemicals (dissolving pulp, furfural, high-purity lignin, and acetic acid) from lignocellulosic biomass. Utilizing sulfuric acid as the catalyst and a mixture of water and γ-valerolactone (GVL) as the solvent, the biomass was successfully fractionated into four major components: 1) cellulose, which was converted into dissolving pulp for fiber production; 2) hemicellulose, which was decomposed into furfural, a valuable platform chemical; 3) lignin, which was purified intensively for the production of carbon foams or battery anodes; and 4) acetate, which was converted into acetic acid, a chemical that is potentially useful as a H2 carrier and in H2 production. Separation subsystems were developed to recover the water and GVL mixture effectively for reuse in biomass fractionation and to separate cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and acetate for further treatment. To reduce the energy requirements, a heat pump was introduced and heat integration was conducted. The integrated process achieved a positive NPV ($19.9 million), making our process economically viable against initial uncertainties and high risks related to the project. Furthermore, dissolving pulp production was found to be the major environmental contributor accounting for 47.1% of fossil depletion and 36.4% of climate change.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahn, Byeongchan & Park, Chulhwan & Liu, J. Jay & Ok, Yong Sik & Won, Wangyun, 2023. "Maximizing the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass: Process development and analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:215:y:2023:i:c:s0960148123009102
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2023.119004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Huang, Kefeng & Won, Wangyun & Barnett, Kevin J. & Brentzel, Zachary J. & Alonso, David M. & Huber, George W. & Dumesic, James A. & Maravelias, Christos T., 2018. "Improving economics of lignocellulosic biofuels: An integrated strategy for coproducing 1,5-pentanediol and ethanol," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 213(C), pages 585-594.
    2. Chio, Chonlong & Sain, Mohini & Qin, Wensheng, 2019. "Lignin utilization: A review of lignin depolymerization from various aspects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 232-249.
    3. Chua, K.J. & Chou, S.K. & Yang, W.M., 2010. "Advances in heat pump systems: A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 87(12), pages 3611-3624, December.
    4. Won, Wangyun & Maravelias, Christos T., 2017. "Thermal fractionation and catalytic upgrading of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels: Process synthesis and analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 114(PB), pages 357-366.
    5. Choe, Bomin & Lee, Shinje & Won, Wangyun, 2021. "Coproduction of butene oligomers and adipic acid from lignocellulosic biomass: Process design and evaluation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C).
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