The characteristics of solid-phase substrate during the co-fermentation of lignite and straw

PLoS One. 2023 Jan 26;18(1):e0280890. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280890. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Co-fermentation of lignite and biomass has been considered as a new approach in achieving clean energy. Moreover, the study of the characteristics of solid phase in the synergistic degradation process is of great significance in revealing their synergistic relationship. Accordingly, in order to produce biogas, lignite, straw, and the mixture of the two were used as the substrates, the solid phase characteristics of which were analyzed before and after fermentation using modern analytical methods. The results revealed that the mixed fermentation of lignite and straw promoted the production of biomethane. Moreover, the ratios of C/O and C/H were found to be complementary in the co-fermentation process. Furthermore, while the relative content of C-C/C-H bonds was observed to be significantly decreased, the aromatics degree of lignite was weakened. Also, while the degree of branching increased, there found to be an increase in the content of cellulose amorphous zone, which, consequently, led to an increase in the crystallinity index of the wheat straw. Hence, the results provide a theoretical guidance for the efficient utilization of straw and lignite.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomass
  • Cellulose* / metabolism
  • Coal*
  • Fermentation
  • Triticum / metabolism

Substances

  • Coal
  • Cellulose

Grants and funding

Fundamental Research Funds for the Universities of Henan Province (NSFRF220301); and '14th Five-Year ' Forward-looking Basic Technology Research Project of China National Petroleum Corporation (2021DJ2302). Additionally, support was received from the Key Scientific Research Project of Colleges and Universities in Henan Province (23ZX015). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.