Physicochemical Characterization and Delignification Enhancement of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Sustainable Bioenergy

Abstract

The study provides a thorough examination of the biofuel potential of three unique lignocellulosic crop residues, including rice straw (Oryza sativa), corn stalk (Zea mays), and sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarum) of Odisha. In the investigation, we explored the compositional, thermal, and structural characteristics of these biomass sources to make clear their application for sustainable bioenergy production. Proximate analysis indicated variances in critical factors ranging from 5.9–14.8% (moisture content), 1.8–19.4% (ash content), 60–72.4% (volatile matter), and 9.6–14.7% (fixed carbon). Proximate analysis contributes to the various energy-generating capacities of these materials. An in-depth investigation of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin concentration revealed the promise of sugarcane bagasse as a cellulose-rich option for bioethanol synthesis. Thermochemical profiling using thermogravimetric and FTIR analysis revealed information about thermal stability and chemical changes, with pretreatment essential in increasing biomass accessibility and crystallinity. The significance of pretreatment-induced crystallinity for effective enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentable sugar generation was highlighted by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Overall, this study advances our understanding of the intricate relationships between biomass composition, structure, and bioenergy potential, offering valuable insights for developing sustainable biofuel production strategies.