Biofuels Bioproducts & Biorefining-Biofpr最新文献

The Finnish company NordFuel Oy is planning to build a bioproduct factory in Haapavesi, Finland, with a start-up date at the end of this decade. The process will be based on organosolv-type fractionation, which allows the production of high-quality bioproducts from wood-based biomass. One of the main bioproducts of the organosolv process is lignin, which has been a topic of intensive research in recent years. Lignin is already used in industrial resins but new process technologies, such as the organosolv process, will expand the application possibilities greatly in the future. In this study, we have analyzed the properties of lab-scale and pilot-scale lignin samples produced with proprietary Chempolis organosolv technology. The results show that the lignin samples produced have an extraordinary purity level with minimal amounts of process chemical residues, sulfur, or other unwanted components. This opens up new opportunities for application developers. Pure softwood-based organosolv lignin can enable new products and cost-effective solutions.

This study investigates the biodegradability of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics by microbial hydrolysis, addressing the environmental impact of accumulated PVC waste. It emphasizes the role of semi-anaerobic treatment in overcoming PVC’s resistance to degradation. Petroleum oil was used as a supporting substrate, facilitating acclimatization of the hydrolysis system within 52 days. Experimental results showed 17.5% PVC biodegradation, demonstrating the treatment’s effectiveness. Periodic inhibition, likely due to toxic byproduct accumulation, did not prevent sustained biomass growth, which was supported by the gradual conversion of PVC into soluble total organic carbon (TOC) as a microbial carbon source. Carbon mass balance analysis was employed to assess the utilization and conversion of carbon from PVC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed substantial morphological changes on the polymer surface during treatment. This work elucidates the mechanisms of PVC biodegradation and provides a foundation for sustainable plastic waste management.

Biorefineries offer a promising pathway for sustainable production by utilizing different organic raw materials for further transformation and valorization processes. Nevertheless, the proposed biorefinery structures must be evaluated to determine whether they offer more environmentally sustainable alternatives to current practices. This research aims to assess the potential environmental impact of corn stover (CS) valorization within the framework of the planetary boundaries (PB). Three CS valorization scenarios were proposed and compared with a base case scenario, where CS is traditionally used as mulching in the Sucre region of Colombia. The valorization alternatives were modeled and evaluated using Aspen Plus V14.0 and SimaPro V8.3, relying on the PB-Life Cycle Assessment methodology to quantify the level of PB transgressions. Results showed that the Scenario 0 of CS utilization as mulching remained within the downscaled safe operating space. Notably, biochar utilization in Scenario 1 showed positive results as a carbon sequestration strategy to reduce the environmental impact of CS transformation processes at the PB of climate change. In contrast, Scenario 2, focused only on xylitol production, exceeded the PB for climate change and ocean acidification owing to increased emissions from higher energy needs. These findings highlight the importance of integrating CS valorization processes with biochar conversion, exploiting its potential for agricultural remediation and long-term carbon sequestration. Such practice could enhance the environmental sustainability and feasibility of biorefineries, ensuring they operate within the PB limits while maximizing resource efficiency.

This research explores the continuous flow valorization of lignocellulosic biomass to produce biofuels, renewable chemicals, and sustainable materials. Various conversion pathways, including pyrolysis, hydrogenolysis, hydrotreating, and selective oxidation, were examined for obtaining high value products. The study focuses on key biomass derivatives such as furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and carboxylic acids, which are essential for the chemical and energy industries. Additionally, strategies for synthesizing biodegradable biopolymers and intermediates for sustainable plastics are discussed. The challenges in scaling up these technologies, ensuring catalytic stability, and reducing operating costs, which hinder industrial implementation, are analyzed. Alternative approaches to overcoming these limitations are also explored. Continuous flow biomass valorization emerges as a viable strategy to promote the circular economy and accelerate the transition toward sustainable chemical production, with applications in advanced biofuels, renewable chemical precursors, and environmentally friendly materials.

The global increase in plastic waste presents a significant environmental challenge. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and similar plastics are commonly recycled mechanically but repeated processing degrades their physical and chemical properties, ultimately rendering them unfit for reuse and leading to landfill disposal. Chemical recycling offers a promising alternative, employing advanced techniques to convert plastic waste into basic chemicals, monomers, and feedstocks, thus bridging the petrochemical industry and waste management. However, knowledge of suitable chemical recycling methods for all seven categories of recyclable plastics remains limited. This review critically examines the effectiveness of various chemical recycling approaches across different plastic types, integrating fundamental principles with recent research developments. The economic and environmental impacts of these technologies are also assessed. Finally, the study discusses current challenges and future opportunities for scaling up chemical recycling to support a sustainable, climate-neutral circular economy.

Lignin extracted from rice straw via hydrothermal steam explosion and fractionated using acid-catalyzed organosolv treatment in previous work was incorporated into styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) at 3 and 6 wt% to develop functionalized composites with antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobial testing demonstrated a 99.99% reduction in Staphylococcus aureus viability, with the lignin exhibiting a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.5 mg mL⁻¹ against both S. aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Mechanical characterization revealed improvements in elongation at break (+40.4%), tear resistance (+38.5%) and tensile strength (+16.8%) relative to unfilled SBR, while abrasion resistance remained within footwear industry standards. Thermal characterization through thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry revealed that lignin contributed to the thermal stability of the composites and behaved as a reinforcing filler, maintaining the integrity of the rubber matrix under processing conditions. This work demonstrates a sustainable and scalable approach to valorize rice straw lignin for the development of bio-based antimicrobial elastomeric materials, with potential for industrial implementation and future application in other rubber-based systems.

In this study, hemp pulp, a by-product of cold press oil extraction, was selected as a pyrolysis feedstock owing to its high volatile matter (75.23%) and elevated calorific value (17.18 MJ kg⁻¹). Pyrolysis of the pulp yielded a crude bio-oil with a higher heating value (HHV) of 32.4 MJ kg⁻¹ and 19.63 wt% oxygen content. To upgrade the oil, a CoMo/zeolite catalyst was synthesized via wet impregnation and characterized (Brunauer–Emmet–Teller surface area, 92.8 m² g⁻¹; pore diameter, 8.8 nm). Catalytic treatment at 250 °C for 2 h led to significant deoxygenation, reducing the oxygen content to 11.27 wt% and increasing the HHV to 37.7 MJ kg⁻¹. Fourier transform infrared and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis confirmed structural changes and formation of valuable chemicals such as toluene and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. The toxicity results revealed that bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exhibits the highest toxicity and bioaccumulation potential among various aquatic organisms, especially crustaceans, Daphnia magna, and fish species. Toluene showed moderate toxicity and biodegradability, whereas phenol, 3-ethyl- demonstrated lower toxicity and was not biodegradable. These findings highlight the environmental risks of pyrolysis liquids derived from hemp in aquatic ecosystems and emphasize the necessity for environmental monitoring and risk management when using such products. These results support the viability of hemp pulp as a renewable bio-oil source, although scale-up is required for fuel-grade application.

Bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass is hindered by the need for efficient delignification and conversion processes. This laboratory-scale study demonstrates a two-step approach using Napier grass as feedstock. The steps were titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photocatalytic pretreatment followed by platinum/tungsten oxide (Pt/WO₃)-catalyzed chemocatalytic cascade conversion. Photocatalytic pretreatment with 2 wt% TiO₂ under UV irradiation for 2 h achieved a cellulose yield of 88.96 wt%, comparable with that of conventional alkaline pretreatment (88.41 wt%, 24 h) but requiring considerably less time. The subsequent cascade conversion using 3 wt% Pt/WO₃ catalyst produced bioethanol with a 47.7% yield at 230 °C within 10 h. The reaction proceeds through hydrolysis, retro-aldol degradation, dehydration, and hydrogenation. Compared with conventional alkaline pretreatment, this method reduces pretreatment time from 24 to 2 h and eliminates the need for separate enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation steps. The process shows strong potential for sustainable bioethanol production from agricultural waste biomass while reducing the use of hazardous chemicals.

Single-cell proteins (SCPs) derived from volatile fatty acids (VFAs), an alternative protein source, have recently attracted attention. This review examines VFA production using anaerobic digestion and its integration with aerobic systems for SCP production. It also summarizes recent advances in VFA-derived SCPs using diverse microorganisms and discusses the prospects of this approach for sustainable protein alternatives.

The ongoing climate change phenomenon requires the reduction of atmospheric CO₂ concentrations. Microalgal biorefineries, which convert atmospheric CO₂ into chemical energy, offer a viable alternative to fossil fuel-based industrial systems. This study assesses the social impacts of microalgal biorefineries using the Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment database approach, focusing on an industrial facility located in Póvoa de Santa Iria, Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal. The foreground system involves the production of microalgae in cascade raceway systems, followed by their refinement into protein, lipid and carbohydrate fractions. Dedicated surveys were distributed to the local community to collect social data, which was then analyzed using the Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) database and a newly designed evaluation schema. Preliminary data from approximately 300 valid responses indicated that the local community faces a medium risk of being unfamiliar with the concept of microalgae or its benefits but acknowledged the high probability of local economic benefits and job creation upon implementation. The study highlights a general lack of familiarity with microalgae among the local community, which could affect the acceptance of the biorefinery. Although the PSILCA approach identifies social hotspots effectively, reliance on generic data may not accurately represent the local context. The study underscores the need for enhanced information dissemination to improve community acceptance and support for microalgal biorefineries. Preliminary data collection and analysis highlight the potential for social benefits, but further research is required to address the identified limitations.