The application of green solvent in a biorefinery using lignocellulosic biomass as a feedstock

The high dependence on crude oil for energy utilization leads to a necessity of finding alternative sustainable resources. Solvents are often employed in valorizing the biomass into bioproducts and other value-added chemicals during treatment stages. Unfortunately, despite the effectiveness of conventional solvents, hindrances such as expensive solvents, unfavourable environmental ramifications, and complicated downstream separation systems often occur. Therefore, the scientific community has been actively investigating more costeffective, environmentally friendly alternatives and possess the excellent dissolving capability for biomass processing. Generally, 'green' solvents are attractive due to their low toxicity, economic value, and biodegradability. Nonetheless, green solvents are not without disadvantages due to their complicated product recovery, recyclability, and high operational cost. This review summarizes and evaluates the recent contributions, including potential advantages, challenges, and drawbacks of green solvents, namely ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, water, biomass-derived solvents and carbon dioxide in transforming the lignocellulosic biomass into high-value products. Moreover, research opportunities for future developments and potential upscale implementation of green solvents are also critically discussed.

Automated summary

The high dependence on crude oil has led to a need for alternative sustainable resources. Traditional solvents often come with drawbacks such as high cost, environmental concerns, and complex separation systems. Therefore, the scientific community has been actively researching more cost-effective and environmentally friendly 'green' solvents. However, these solvents also have disadvantages, such as complicated product recovery, recyclability, and high operational costs. This review evaluates the potential advantages, challenges, and drawbacks of various green solvents in transforming lignocellulosic biomass into high-value products, and discusses research opportunities for future developments and potential upscale implementation.