Chapter 15 - Synthesis of Bioethanol From Invasive Weeds: Process Design, Optimization, and Intensification With Ultrasound

Abstract

In this chapter, we have presented a review of literature on production of bioethanol from waste biomass in the form of highly invasive weeds such as Parthenium hysterophorus. The chapter includes all three steps of P. hysterophorus-based ethanol production, namely, pretreatment/delignification, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation of the hydrolysates. Various facets of each of these steps such as various methods of pretreatment (e.g., steam explosion, dilute acid, organosolv, H2O2, and AFEX) and optimization of these methods have been dealt with. Review of literature on enzymatic hydrolysis includes optimization of treatment and intensification with techniques such as sonication. The literature review on fermentation includes different fermentation protocols (such as SHF, SSF, SSCF, and CBP) and modeling of the processes. Literature on intensification of the fermentation using sonication has also been critically reviewed. On the basis of this review, finally, some recommendations have been given for further research in this area.