Optimizing biomass pathways to bioenergy and biochar application in electricity generation, biodiesel production, and biohydrogen production

The current energy crisis, depletion of fossil fuels, and global climate change have made it imperative to find alternative sources of energy that are both economically sustainable and environmentally friendly. Here we review various pathways for converting biomass into bioenergy and biochar and their applications in producing electricity, biodiesel, and biohydrogen. Biomass can be converted into biofuels using different methods, including biochemical and thermochemical conversion methods. Determining which approach is best relies on the type of biomass involved, the desired final product, and whether or not it is economically sustainable. Biochemical conversion methods are currently the most widely used for producing biofuels from biomass, accounting for approximately 80% of all biofuels produced worldwide. Ethanol and biodiesel are the most prevalent biofuels produced via biochemical conversion processes. Thermochemical conversion is less used than biochemical conversion, accounting for approximately 20% of biofuels produced worldwide. Bio-oil and syngas, commonly manufactured from wood chips, agricultural waste, and municipal solid waste, are the major biofuels produced by thermochemical conversion. Biofuels produced from biomass have the potential to displace up to 27% of the world's transportation fuel by 2050, which could result in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by up to 3.7 billion metric tons per year. Biochar from biomass can yield high biodiesel, ranging from 32.8% to 97.75%, and can also serve as an anode, cathode, and catalyst in microbial fuel cells with a maximum power density of 4346 mW/m(2). Biochar also plays a role in catalytic methane decomposition and dry methane reforming, with hydrogen conversion rates ranging from 13.4% to 95.7%. Biochar can also increase hydrogen yield by up to 220.3%.

Automated summary

The current energy crisis and climate change have made it crucial to find economically sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative sources of energy. This review examines different methods of converting biomass into bioenergy and biochar, with a focus on producing electricity, biodiesel, and biohydrogen. Biochemical conversion methods are widely used, accounting for 80% of global biofuel production, particularly ethanol and biodiesel. Thermochemical conversion methods are less common, producing bio-oil and syngas. These biofuels have the potential to replace up to 27% of global transportation fuel by 2050, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by billions of metric tons annually. Additionally, biochar from biomass has various applications, including high biodiesel yield and serving as a catalyst in microbial fuel cells and methane decomposition.