Technological advancements in biofuel, bioproducts, and bioenergy production from fast pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass

Abstract

Fast pyrolysis is a thermal conversion process, attracted interest for its ability to convert lignocellulosic biomass into high-value liquid, solid, and gaseous products. Fast pyrolysis process thermally decomposes biomass in an oxygen-depleted environment to produce bio-oil, biochar, and syngas. Challenges exist in downstream processing due to bio-oil's chemical instability. Various upgrading methods have been developed to improve bio-oil properties for better stability and compatibility with existing fuel infrastructures. The products generated from fast pyrolysis find wide range of applications in chemical, fuel and energy industries. As lignocellulose contains diverse organic compounds, it enables production of biofuels, biolubricants, and biochemicals through thermochemical routes. Biochar obtained from fast pyrolysis exhibits varying physical and chemical attributes supporting diverse industrial applications, with growing interest in its sustainable manufacture. Pyrolysis syngas is used in production of methanol, ethanol, hydrogen and transportation fuels. Developing value-added products from lignocellulosic waste via fast pyrolysis benefits circular bioeconomics by offsetting management costs while promoting versatile product applications.