Applications of biomass-derived solvents in biomass pretreatment - Strategies, challenges, and prospects

Xianzhi Meng; Yunxuan Wang; Austin J Conte; Shuyang Zhang; Jiae Ryu; Jeong Jae Wie; Yunqiao Pu; Brian H Davison; Chang Geun Yoo; Arthur J Ragauskas

doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128280

Applications of biomass-derived solvents in biomass pretreatment - Strategies, challenges, and prospects

Bioresour Technol. 2023 Jan:368:128280. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128280. Epub 2022 Nov 8.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-2200, USA.
² Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-2200, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
³ Department of Chemical Engineering, State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
⁴ Department of Chemical Engineering, State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA; Department of Organic and Nano Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; Human-Tech Convergence Program, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; The Michael M. Szwarc Polymer Research Institute, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
⁵ Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA; Joint Institute for Biological Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.
⁶ Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.
⁷ Department of Chemical Engineering, State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA; The Michael M. Szwarc Polymer Research Institute, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
⁸ Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-2200, USA; Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA; Joint Institute for Biological Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA; Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, Center of Renewable Carbon, The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, TN 37996-2200, USA. Electronic address: aragausk@utk.edu.

PMID: 36368492
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128280

Abstract

Biomass pretreatment is considered a key step in the 2nd generation biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass. Research on conventional biomass pretreatment solvents has mainly been focused on carbohydrate conversion efficiency, while their hazardousness and/or carbon intensity were not comprehensively considered. Recent sustainability issues request further consideration for eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives like biomass-derived solvents. Carbohydrate and lignin-derived solvents have been proposed and investigated as green alternatives in many biomass processes. In this review, the applications of different types of biomass pretreatment solvents, including organic, ionic liquid, and deep eutectic solvents, are thoroughly discussed. The role of water as a co-solvent in these pretreatment processes is also reviewed. Finally, current research challenges and prospects of utilizing biomass-derived pretreatment solvents for pretreatment are discussed. Given bioethanol's market potential and increasing public awareness about environmental concerns, it will be a priority adopting sustainable and green biomass pretreatment solvents in biorefinery.

Keywords: Biomass-derived solvent; Deep eutectic solvent; Ionic liquid; Organosolv; Pretreatment.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Biofuels*
Biomass
Carbohydrates
Lignin*
Solvents

Substances

Solvents
Lignin
Biofuels
Carbohydrates