Biomass to fuels and chemicals: A review of enabling processes and technologies

The growing worldwide concern over the environmental impact of our heavy dependence on fossil fuels has provided impetus for biomass utilisation to produce fuels and chemicals. A cost-effective conversion technology stands as a challenge for bio-based fuels and chemicals to be competitive with petroleum-derived products. This review provides an overview of the recent advances in the conversion technologies of biomass, which includes thermochemical and biochemical processes. With a plethora of conversion technologies available, the choice of suitable conversion technology depends on the biomass feedstock availability and the desired end-product. It is observed that present research is focused on the development of catalysts and optimisation of process parameters to improve the economics of conversion technologies. Efforts are also on towards utilisation of cheaper substrate, lignocellulosic biomass and CO2-sequestering algae. Though few technologies have reached the commercial stage, conversion technologies for lignocellulosic and marine biomass are still evolving. Further, much impetus is being given to process optimisation for deriving platform chemicals from biomass for value addition and sustainability of the biorefinery concept. Some key developments in these areas are presented in this review. (c) 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Automated summary

The growing interest in utilizing biomass for fuels and chemicals due to environmental concerns has led to advancements in conversion technologies, including thermochemical and biochemical processes. The key focus is on developing catalysts and optimizing process parameters to improve economics. Efforts are being made to utilize cheaper substrates like lignocellulosic biomass and CO2-sequestering algae, with developments in conversion technologies for these biomass sources still evolving. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on process optimization for deriving platform chemicals from biomass to enhance value and sustainability.