Production Of 2nd Generation Biofuels Research Articles

A mini‐review of intensified synthesis of 1st and 2nd generation biofuels in the presence of perovskite catalysts

AbstractEnhancement of a sustainable environment through the choice of a selective catalyst with high activity, regeneration nature, and high stability is an important aspect to be focused on to achieve a high yield and maximum conversion of feedstock to biodiesel (1st generation biofuel), and also in the biomass valorization/pyrolysis (2nd generation biofuel synthesis). Depending on the nature of the catalyst and synthesis method adopted for biofuel production and biomass valorization, the variations in the process conditions, final yield, and conversion are varied accordingly. A prospective development and application of perovskite catalysts in the synthesis of 1st and 2nd generation biofuels using various process intensification strategies for the development of a clean and green environment is reviewed in this study. The synthesis of types of perovskite catalysts polycrystalline, nano‐sized, and powdered oxide are also discussed in this review. It is also concluded that, apart from other process parameters, molar ratio is one of the most influencing sensitive factors in the case of 1st generation biofuel synthesis, whereas during the production of 2nd generation biofuels, catalyst concentration and liquid–solid ratio are more significant process parameters that change based on the nature of the catalyst selected for the reaction.

DEM modelling for flow of cohesive lignocellulosic biomass powders: Model calibration using bulk tests

Biomass feeding problems greatly hinder the industrialization of entrained-flow gasification systems for production of 2nd generation biofuels. Appropriate DEM modelling could allow engineers to design solutions that overcome these flow problems. This work shows the application of a DEM calibration framework to produce a realistic, calibrated and efficient material model for lignocellulosic biomass. A coarse (500–710 µm) and a fine (200–315 µm) sieving cut of milled poplar were used in this study. The elongated shape and the cohesive behavior were respectively simulated using a coarse-grained multisphere approach and a cohesive SJKR contact model. Measurements of three physical responses (angle-of-repose, bulk density, a retainment ratio) allowed calibration of the sliding (µs) and rolling friction (µr) coefficients and the cohesion energy density (CED). Using a statistical analysis, the most influential calibration parameters for each bulk response were identified. A Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm was used to solve the calibration multi-objective optimization problem. Several sets of optimal solutions reproduced accurately the three physical responses and the experimental shear responses were closely reproduced by simulations for the population of coarse particles. The DEM calibration framework studied here aims to produce material models useful for assessing flow behavior and equipment interaction for biomass particles.

Market and economic feasibility analysis for the implementation of 2nd generation biofuels in Greece

Increasing demand for fossil fuels worldwide coupled with environmental concerns has intensified the focus on Renewable Energy Sources. So-called ‘2nd generation’ biofuels, produced from residues, waste or cellulosic material, present distinct advantages over fossil fuels and can contribute to energy security and sustainable development of society.This paper aims to demonstrate that Greece holds sufficient resources to support indigenous and possibly economic production of 2nd generation biofuels in order to meet the European Union ‘Renewable Energy Directive’ targets. These mandate 10% share of biofuels in the transport sector for member states by 2020 with continuous penetration of advanced biofuels towards the 2030 horizon (RED II). A market analysis has been performed to review the biofuels market in Greece and investigate the availability of 2nd generation resources, followed by economic feasibility assessment of their production routes.Individual results identify substantial market gap, with potential to be filled through indigenous production of 2nd generation biofuels. This presents significant short to medium term growth opportunity as well as an attractive investment, provided appropriate technological pathways and feedstocks are selected that minimize overall supply-chain and productions costs, further supported by robust policies. In order to pursue this growth potential, careful central planning, de-risking and policy support from the government is required, followed by a radical reformation of the biofuels industry.

Enzymatic Activity of Some Industrially-Applied Cellulolytic Enzyme Preparations

Abstract Enzymatic hydrolysis is the essential step in the production of 2nd generation biofuels made from lignocellulosic biomass, i.e. agricultural or forestry solid wastes. The enzyme-catalysed robust degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose to monosaccharides requires the synergistic action of the independent types of highly-specific enzymes, usually offered as ready-to-use preparations. The basic aim of the study was to experimentally determine the enzymatic activity of two widely industrially-applied, commercially available cellulolytic enzyme preparations: (i) Cellic® CTec2 and (ii) the mixture of Celluclast® 1.5L and Novozyme 188, in the hydrolysis of pre-treated lignocellulosic biomass, i.e. (a) energetic willow and (b) rye straw, or untreated (c) cellulose paper as well, used as feedstocks. Before the hydrolysis, every kind of utilized lignocellulosic biomass was subjected to alkaline-based (10% NaOH) pre-treatment at high-temperature (121°C) and overpressure (0.1 MPa) conditions. The influence of the type of applied enzymes, as well as their concentration, on the effectiveness of hydrolysis was quantitatively evaluated, and finally the enzyme activities were determined for each of tested cellulolytic enzyme preparations.

Optimization of enzymatic sugar beet hydrolysis in a horizontal rotating tubular bioreactor

BACKGROUND: Sugar beet pulp (SBP) is a promising feedstock for the production of 2nd generation biofuels, but efficient enzymatic hydrolysis remains a key challenge; therefore, new process designs and/or bioreactor designs are crucial to overcome this hurdle. In this regard, horizontal rotating tubular bioreactors (HRTB) offer the advantage of high substrate loadings while minimizing the space and energy demand compared with conventional stirred tank reactors. Here, a statistical approach is used to optimize the hydrolysis of sugar beet pulp in laboratory experiments, and it is shown that such a process can be implemented in a HRTB. RESULTS: Using the design of experiments (DOE) method, the reaction conditions of four commercial enzyme mixtures (Ultrazym AFP‐L, Viscozyme L, Pectinase and Cellulase) was optimized for the degradation of SBP in small‐scale experiments. Using Ultrazym AFP‐L as the most efficient mixture, a 10 L scale conversion was performed in a HRTB. At a substrate loading of 135 g L⁻¹ and optimized conversion parameters (enzyme load, pH and rotating speed of the reactor), 0.525 W dm⁻³ were needed to achieve solubilisation of 30% of the total mass of initial SBP after 24 h. CONCLUSION: DOE was found to be an easy‐to‐apply method that allowed optimizing the conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis of SBP, resulting in a higher sugar yield. The results could be transferred to an HRTB, which is a suitable system for enzymatic conversion and efficient saccharification of semi‐solid or solid substrates with relatively low energy consumption. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry

Synthesis of Ethyl Levulinate, a Perspective Biocomponent of Motor Fuels

In this work the importance of levulinic acid obtained from lignocellulosic biomass, as a feedstock for the production of 2nd generation biofuels, was presented. One of the derivatives of levulinic acid, having physicochemical properties appropriate for biofuels is ethyl levulinate. The optimal conditions for the synthesis of this ester in an autoclave (temperature, reaction time) were determined. The reaction product was separated from the post-reaction mixture by simple distillation and its purity was determined using gas chromatography. Under optimal conditions the yield of ethyl levulinate was 74% and its purity after distillation was 96,87% (m/m).

Lignocellulose processing: a current challenge

Lignocellulosic biomass, of which inedible crops are a renewable source, is expected to become one of the key renewable energy resources in the near future, to deal with global warming and the depletion of conventional fossil fuel resources. It also holds the key to supplying society's basic needs for the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels without impacting the human food supply. Despite this, the production of 2nd generation biofuels and chemicals has not yet been commercialized. Therefore, the challenges involved in the production of lignocellulosic biomass derived fuels and chemicals must be addressed. The search for economic pretreatment methods has been recognized as one of the main hurdles for the processing of biomass to biofuels and chemicals. The conversion of all biomass components, lignin in particular, would greatly contribute to the economic viability of biomass based processes for 2nd generation biofuels and chemicals. The highly organized crystalline structure of cellulose presents an obstacle to its hydrolysis. Hydrolysis of lignocellulose carbohydrates into fermentable sugars requires a number of different biomass degrading enzymes such as cellulases and hemicellulases. Still, a number of technical and scientific issues within pretreatment and hydrolysis remain to be solved. Depending on the raw material and pretreatment technology, the enzyme mixtures must be designed to degrade biomass carbohydrates. Rapid advances in enzyme, microbial and plant engineering would provide the necessary breakthroughs for the successful commercialization of biomass derived fuels and chemicals.

Antifungal activity of liquid waste obtained from the detoxification of steam-exploded plant biomass against plant pathogenic fungi

The antifungal activity of steam-exploded liquid waste (SELW) produced by the detoxification of steam-exploded biomass of Miscanthus sinensis, Arundo donax and wheat straw for 2nd generation industrial bioethanol production was studied against plant pathogenic fungi for the first time. Quantification of fermentation inhibitors (2-furaldehyde, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, acetic and formic acid) was carried out by standard methods. Mycelial growth inhibition and conidial germination of eight fungal strains [Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum acutatum, Cladosporium fulvum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL), F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis (FOM), F. solani f. sp. pisi and Verticillium dahliae] were evaluated in vitro at different dilution rates (1:2, 1:4 and 1:8) for each SELW. Disease suppressiveness was assessed in vivo in eight horticultural pathosystems (A. alternata/tomato, B. cinerea/tomato, C. acutatum/strawberry, C. fulvum/tomato, FOL/tomato, FOM/melon, F. solani f. sp. pisi/pea and V. dahliae/eggplant) under greenhouse conditions. Pathogen suppression by each SELW, applied both in spray form on to tomato leaves and skins of tomato and strawberry, and by means of dipping method in watering suspensions on to seedling root systems of tomato, melon, pea and eggplant, was evaluated at dilution rates of 1:2, 1:4 and 1:8 using irrigation water during curative and preventive treatments. Investigations carried out in vitro showed that M. sinensis SELW was more suppressive than wheat straw SELW, and A. donax SELW was less suppressive than wheat straw SELW at the lowest dilution rates. Relationships between the concentration of 2-furaldehyde, acetic and formic acid present in SELWs and their antifungal effect were found. Moreover, B. cinerea, C. fulvum, V. dahliae, A. alternata, C. acutatum and F. solani f. sp. pisi were more effectively inhibited than FOL and FOM. Investigations performed in vivo showed that SELWs of M. sinensis and wheat straw can be diluted at a 1:2 rate and used for controlling six fungal diseases during preventive treatments. In particular, they can be used by dipping of the root systems during transplanting in the case of F. solani f. sp. pisi/pea and V. dahliae/eggplant; on the other hand, they can be nebulized on to the leaves and fruits before symptoms appearance in the case of A. alternata/tomato, B. cinerea/tomato, C. acutatum/strawberry and C. fulvum/tomato. This study is of particular interest because it points out how these SELWs could be employed in horticultural crop protection in Southern Italy, thereby making it possible to effectively combine industrial production of 2nd generation biofuels with sustainable horticulture under greenhouse conditions.

Cost efficient utilisation of biomass in the German energy system in the context of energy and environmental policies

The possible uses of biomass for energy provision are manifold. Gaseous, liquid and solid bioenergy carriers can be alternatively converted into heat, power or transport fuel. The contribution of the different utilisation pathways to environmental political targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction and energy political targets for the future share of renewable energy vary accordingly to their techno-economic characteristics. The aim of the presented study is to assess the different biomass options against the background of energy and environmental political targets based on a system analytical approach for the future German energy sector. The results show that heat generation and to a lower extent combined heat and power (CHP) production from solid biomass like wood and straw are the most cost effective ways to contribute to the emission reduction targets. The use of energy crops in fermentation biogas plants (maize) and for production of 1st generation transportation fuels, like biodiesel from rapeseed and ethanol from grain or sugar beet, are less favourable. Optimisation potentials lie in a switch to the production of 2nd generation biofuels and the enhanced use of either biomass residues or low production intensive energy crops.