Sustainable bioethanol production from first- and second-generation sugar-based feedstocks: Advanced bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Bioethanol is produced from carbohydrate-containing feedstocks through fermentation. Based on a bibliometric review of studies published between 2012 and 2021, we analyzed those on sustainable bioethanol production. The Web of Science main collection yielded 1647 publications, which were analyzed using VOSViewer, CiteSpace, and ArcMap software. More than half of these publications originated from some Asian countries, corresponding to 63.6 %, with India being the most participatory country. The most studied area was energy fuels, and Bioresource Technology (Elsevier) was the journal that published most on the topic, while Universiti Tenaga Nasional in Malaysia had the most interactions. Four emerging trends were identified, in mention: enzymatic hydrolysis, alternative process arrangements, use of the bacterium Zymomonas mobilis and structural features. In conclusion, it was found that the studies generally identified more advantages than disadvantages, and the research showed a positive trend, but there are still existing obstacles, which may be overcome through improved processes.