A review of thermocatalytic conversion of biogenic wastes into crude biofuels and biochemical precursors

The increase in the global population and industrialization has induced an unprecedented increase in biogenic wastes. These biogenic wastes are a potential source of energy and a suitable alternative to energy from nonrenewable fossil fuels. Thermochemical technologies are effective ways to transform wastes biomass into biofuels and value-added biochemicals. However, non-catalytic thermochemical conversion technologies are associated with challenges such as low yield, undesirable byproducts and higher levels of heteroatoms affecting the quality of final fuel products. Therefore, there is a need for innovative catalytic approaches to mitigate such challenges. In this review article, various catalyst and their synthesis pathways have been highlighted with specific applications in thermocatalytic conversion technologies. Furthermore, a state-of-the-art review was performed to discuss the impacts of catalysts on the production of biofuels and biochemicals via pyrolysis, gasification, liquefaction, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and polysaccharides conversion. In addition, an attempt has been made to address the challenges posed by catalysts and their synthesis routes by evaluating the effect of different process parameters.

Automated summary

The increase in global population and industrialization has led to a significant rise in biogenic wastes. These wastes have the potential to be a valuable source of energy as an alternative to nonrenewable fossil fuels. Thermochemical technologies offer effective solutions for converting waste biomass into biofuels and valuable biochemicals. However, non-catalytic thermochemical conversion technologies face challenges such as low yields, undesired byproducts, and higher levels of heteroatoms that impact the quality of the final fuel products. This review article explores innovative catalytic approaches to address these challenges and evaluates the impact of catalysts on the production of biofuels and biochemicals through various thermochemical conversion technologies.