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Lignocellulosic biorefineries: The current state of challenges and strategies for efficient commercialization

Author

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  • Usmani, Zeba
  • Sharma, Minaxi
  • Awasthi, Abhishek Kumar
  • Lukk, Tiit
  • Tuohy, Maria G.
  • Gong, Liang
  • Nguyen-Tri, Phuong
  • Goddard, Alan D.
  • Bill, Roslyn M.
  • Nayak, S.Chandra
  • Gupta, Vijai Kumar

Abstract

Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant and sustainable feedstock available globally. As a source of the polysaccharides, cellulose and hemicellulose, it can be converted into biofuels and other platform chemicals. This article highlights some important aspects that needs to be focused upon for the commercial development of lignocellulosic biorefineries. Although, lignocellulosic biomass offers clear value in terms of its green advantages and sustainability, there has been very low commercial success at industrial production levels. This can be attributed to a few key factors such as an irregular biomass supply chain, inefficient or complex pre-treatment and saccharification technologies, and scale up challenges leading to high capital and operating expenditures. Moreover, techno-economic studies performed on lignocellulosic biorefineries have revealed that process complexity is the most detrimental factor prohibiting scale-up. Although there have been several research efforts funded both by the public and private sectors, biomass valorization into biofuels and chemicals remains a technical and economical challenge. This review examines the global drivers towards the advancements of lignocellulosic biorefineries, technical and operational challenges for industrialization and future directions towards overcoming them.

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  • Usmani, Zeba & Sharma, Minaxi & Awasthi, Abhishek Kumar & Lukk, Tiit & Tuohy, Maria G. & Gong, Liang & Nguyen-Tri, Phuong & Goddard, Alan D. & Bill, Roslyn M. & Nayak, S.Chandra & Gupta, Vijai Kumar, 2021. "Lignocellulosic biorefineries: The current state of challenges and strategies for efficient commercialization," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:148:y:2021:i:c:s1364032121005451
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111258
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    6. Louw, Jeanne & Dogbe, Eunice S. & Yang, Bin & Görgens, Johann F., 2023. "Prioritisation of biomass-derived products for biorefineries based on economic feasibility: A review on the comparability of techno-economic assessment results," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    7. Kim, Kyeongsu & Suh, Young-Woong & Ha, Jeong-Myeong & An, Jinjoo & Lee, Ung, 2023. "A comprehensive analysis of biphasic reaction system for economical biodiesel production process," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).

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