Sustainable Biofuel Research Articles

Effective hydrodeoxygenation bio-oil via natural zeolite supported transition metal oxide catalyst

Bio-oil from biomass pyrolysis is promising to be used as a sustainable biofuel and high-value-added chemical. However, the presence of high acid, water, and oxygenate causes corrosive properties, low higher heating value (HHV), and instability of the bio-oil component. Therefore, refining the bio-oil is essential to improve its quality. In this study, we introduced natural zeolite (HZ) impregnated with transition metal oxide (TMO) to refine the bio-oil using the hydrodeoxygenation method (HDO) at various catalyst ratios and temperatures. We find that ZnO/HZ 5% wt. shows the best catalytic performance, with the conversion of organic phase reaching ∼ 50%. The refined bio-oil from Fe2O3, ZnO, and CuO has high-quality physicochemical properties with carbon, oxygen, water level, and HHV values are 37–52%, 40–53%, 8–27%, and 17–21 MJ/kg, respectively. This result represents a high catalytic performance for the hydrodeoxygenation process of bio-oil using natural zeolite-based transition metal oxide for better and low-cost biofuel production.

A novel alginate lyase and its domain functions for the preparation of unsaturated monosaccharides.

Brown algae are considered promising crops for the production of sustainable biofuels. However, the commercial application has been limited by lack of efficient methods for converting alginate into fermentable sugars. Herein, we cloned and characterized a novel alginate lyase AlyPL17 from Pedobacter hainanensis NJ-02. It possessed outstanding catalytic efficiency toward polymannuronic acid (polyM), polyguluronic acid (polyG), and alginate sodium, with kcat of 39.42 ± 1.9s-1, 32.53 ± 0.88s-1, and 38.30 ± 2.12s-1, respectively. AlyPL17 showed maximum activity at 45°C and pH 9.0. The domain truncation did not change the optimal temperature and optimal pH, but greatly reduced the activity. In addition, AlyPL17 degrades alginate through the cooperative action of two structural domains in an exolytic mode. The minimal degradation substrate of AlyPL17 is a disaccharide. Furthermore, AlyPL17 and AlyPL6 can synergistically degrade alginate to prepare unsaturated monosaccharides that can be converted to 4-deoxy-L-erythron-5-hexoseuloseuronate acid (DEH). DEH is reduced to KDG by DEH reductase (Sdr), which enters the Entner-Doudoroff (ED) pathway as a common metabolite and is converted to bioethanol. KEY POINTS: • Biochemical characterization of alginate lyase from Pedobacter hainanensis NJ-02 and its truncated form. • Degradation patterns of AlyPL17 and the role of its domains in product distribution and mode of action. • Potential of synergistic degradation system for efficient preparation of unsaturated monosaccharides.

Conversion of algal biomass into renewable fuel: A mini review of chemical and biochemical processes

Microalgae are a vital resource for the coming years to address the concern of decrease in oil reserves and the negative impacts of fossil fuels on the environment. Their utilization is crucial for a wide range of industrial applications. Depending on the strain, microalgae contain a variety of chemical components and can be treated biochemically or thermochemically. This review thus focuses on the biochemical mechanisms that are used to convert algal biomass into sustainable fuel, including the challenges and potential of those processes. Microalgae have been shown to be a viable third-generation alternative to conventional biofuel feedstocks. The optimum production of biofuel depends on the proper selection of microalgae species based on their lipid, carbohydrate, and protein content in order to produce high-quality, sustainable biofuel. Nannochloropsis gaditana can contribute to a maximum biodiesel yield of 96.47%, whereas Nannochloropsis oculata can produce the least (25%) through the biochemical process of transesterification. Higher yields of microalgae-derived gaseous, solid and liquid fuels can be achieved by pre-treating microalgal biomass and then employing bioconversion processes such as photo-fermentation and hydrothermal carbonization.

Sustainable Valorization of Wood Residue for the Production of Biofuel Materials Via Continuous Flow Hydrothermal Liquefaction

When forests are extensively cleared for infrastructure and agricultural purposes, over half of the wood generated is regarded as waste. To minimize the negative consequences and successfully use renewable energy sources, further applications must be investigated. Biomass has the potential to be converted into biofuels using a process known as hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). The conversion of wood residue under continuous flow, subcritical HTL, under both untreated and alkaline pretreated conditions was examined in this study. According to the results, pretreatment with 4% NaOH sped up recovery times compared to using raw wood and increased glucose production by 1.8 times (equivalent to 90 g/L) in comparison to using raw wood. Additionally, the fluid's pH was raised from 6.1 to 3.5 due to the alkaline pretreatment, which also switched the hydrolysis of arabinose and cellobiose to rhamnose at 0.2 MPa. The average Net Energy Ratio (NER) for glucose during liquefaction reached values as high as 63%, while the energy output from glucose during the pretreatment reached 246 kJ. The move to green energy transition toward net zero will be aided by these findings, which will usher in new waste conversion techniques to produce sustainable biofuels using continuous flow HTL.Graphical Abstract

Briquetting of Poplar Wood from Short Rotation Coppice—The Effects of Moisture Content and Hammer Mill Screen Size

Studies on the use of biomass from short rotation coppices for briquette production as a sustainable biofuel have been scarce in the literature. This study investigated the effects of two process variables, hammer mill screen size at three levels (5.3, 10.3, and 25.4 mm) and moisture content at three levels (13.6, 19, and 25% (w.b.)), on the properties of briquettes from poplar Max-4 trees. The whole tree was divided into two fractions, the crown and the stem, and briquettes were produced from them. The effects of the variables on compressed density, relaxed density, relaxation ratio, and the shatter index of the briquettes were analyzed. The results showed that the combined interaction of the variables had no significant effects (p > 0.05) on the compressed density, relaxed density, and relaxation ratio of the briquettes. However, hammer mill screen size and moisture content both significantly influenced the shatter index irrespective of the tree fraction (p < 0.05). Hammer mill screen sizes of 5.3 and 10.3 mm at moisture contents of 13.6 and 19% (w.b.) resulted in good quality briquettes across the properties investigated for both the crown and stem poplar tree fractions. This study shows that high-quality briquettes can be produced from poplar Max-4 woody biomass.

Evaluating Biofuel Energy Policies for Sustainable Transportation Sector: A System Dynamics Approach

Energy is vital for techno-socio-economic development of global transportation sector. A country’s energy policy will aim to provide an appropriate mix of resources to meet its energy demand. Biofuels have emerged as an alternative to meet the energy requirements. The contribution of this study is the evaluation of sustainable biofuel energy policies to increase the usage of biofuels in the transport sector without affecting the country's food security and to achieve social, economic and environmental benefits. The successful implementation of complex relationship between the factors influencing the production and use of biofuels is also addressed. In the present work, a system dynamics model has been developed to evaluate biofuel production focusing food security and to assess its impact on the economy and the environment. Simulation results have shown that the maximum biodiesel blending between 3.03% to 11.01% is possible without impacting the food security. It has been noted that 20% or less of biodiesel blends can be used as direct replacements for diesel fuel in all heavy-duty diesel vehicles without any alteration or modification of their engines. It has been demonstrated that biofuel blending strategies have a positive impact on the reduction of CO2 emission in the Indian transport sector.

Breathing Room: Cleaner Fuels for Home Cooking in LMICs.

Breathing Room: Cleaner Fuels for Home Cooking in LMICs.

Life Cycle Assessment of the Cellulosic Jet Fuel Derived from Agriculture Residue

The purpose of this paper is to discover the impacts of contradictory factors in the application of agricultural residue with sustainable biofuel benefits. Based on the Life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, the quantitative LCA assessment model and approach have been established, coupling upstream cultivation and downstream jet biofuel product, which would benefit agriculture residue choice. The LCA model investigated the effects of interaction factors on energy consumption, including land release and agriculture residue use change. The computational framework of the LCA model is classified into three sub-models, including the cultivation and harvesting model, the refining process and distribution model, and the flight model. According to uncertainty analysis by the LCA model, the positive energy gains have been conducted at a wide range of hydrogen production and methanol production. The application model is represented by six types of typical aircraft widely used in China, including the LTO cycle module, actual cruising distance and maximum cruising distance module, actual payload, and maximum payload module. In the whole life cycle assessment, GHGs of agriculture residue is 17.9 gCO2e/MJ while petroleum-based jet fuel is 90.2 gCO2e/MJ. The order of GHGs in WTW (well to wheel) is agriculture residue < corn stover < beanstalk < wheat straw < rice straw. The land release conducted obviously to the total GHGs emission for rice straw, which indicated that land release should involve in the LCA.

Commission

This overview highlights the Commission’s (i) adoption of DAC8 to cover cryptoassets; (ii) clarification on mutual assistance under the Recovery Directive for claims under EUR 1,500; (iii) report evaluating Directives on Administrative Cooperation; (iv) approval of Swedish tax scheme aimed at promoting the usage of sustainable biofuels; and (v) approval of the prolongation of the Swedish scheme to refund taxes and social security contributions to employers of seafarers.

Characterization of tamarind biomass to substantiate the feasibility towards alternative fuel

Sustainable energy resources development from every possible route is the utmost priority in today’s modern scenario around the globe. This situation reaches highly alarming rate after the pandemic situation due to the shortcomings on ease transportation viability among all the countries. Therefore, the present work aims at developing a sustainable biofuel from Tamarind seed biomass samples and to evaluate its suitability for various power generation applications. The proposed work consists of three samples: tamarind shell (TAN1), tamarind nut with peel (TAN2) and tamarind nut without peel (TAN3) undergoing physicochemical and thermal analyses to analyse their feasibility as a biofuel. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) concluded high oxygenated compounds mainly alcohols, esters and carboxylic acids were determined at higher wave numbers. Ultimate and proximate analyses gave high amounts of carbon, volatile matter and low nitrogen and ash content. Thermogravimetric (TG) analyses showed the maximum mass loss in the temperature range of 150 °C–400 °C and confirm the presence of volatile compounds. It was mainly due to the degradation of hemicellulose. Calorimetry test gave high heating value (HHV) results and those compared with the empirical values calculated using the ultimate analysis equation. TAN3 is selected as a promising feedstock for pyrolysis and the characterization results signify the presence of organic compounds and infer high energetic value and bio refining potential. The bio oil obtained was characterized and analysed using GC–MS, FTIR, and H NMR to assess the bio oil potential as alternative fuel and presented in this paper.

Life cycle assessment of Moringa oleifera derived biodiesel: Energy efficiency, CO2 intensity and environmental impacts

AbstractThis paper performs a thorough cradle to tank life cycle assessment to examine environmental impacts of Moringa oleifera derived biodiesel. Attributional LCA according to ISO 14040‐44, using CML‐IA baseline method, was conducted. Furthermore, Biodiesel versus petrodiesel comparison was undertaken.Moringa oleifera derived biodiesel shows a GWP of 39.94 gCO2eq/MJ of biodiesel, which presents a reduction of 52.34%, compared to petrodiesel. It revealed an EROEI value of 1.48, which can reach 3.20 with allocation applying, presenting an energy saving over petrodiesel of 53%. In addition, Ozone layer depletion impact of Moringa based biodiesel is lower than that of petrodiesel. This good performance notwithstanding, Moringa oleifera derived biodiesel exhibits high environmental impacts in terms of Abiotic Depletion of elements, Human Toxicity, Fresh water aquatic ecotoxicity, Marine aquatic ecotoxicity, Terrestrial ecotoxicity, Acidification, Eutrophication, respectively, 96.60%, 60.22%, 82.13%, 64.77%, 98.71%, 35.68% and 76.70% higher than those of petrodiesel. Nevertheless, coproducts valorization and ecofriendly inputs use could contribute efficiently to improve its environmental performances compared to petrodiesel.According to our results and comparison with other feedstocks based biodiesel, Moringa biodiesel could be used as a sustainable biofuel with a high contribution to climate change mitigation and fossil energy savings in addition to reduced environmental impacts.

Biofuel production, study & characterisation from macro-algae (Azolla pinnata)

The demands for energy and the scarcity in fossil fuel are constantly increasing. This has resulted in the search for sustainable, renewable, and low cost biofuel that has triggered the search for potential bioenergy crops. Aquatic plants that can grow rapidly with minimum resources and can produce biomass in bulk amounts are driving the attention of scientists and researchers throughout the world. The production of biofuels from such organic materials and waste components can result in developing of sustainable alternative that will not only be beneficial to the environment but also to public health. In this study, one such aquatic macro algae Azolla pinnata proved to be potential source for biofuel production. The evaluation of its growth was done and trans-esterification of Azolla pinnata lipid was carried out to produce biofuel. The species have a unique combination of physical, chemical and nutrients composition that makes it a boon to mankind. This macro algae was subjected to series of laboratory testing and evaluation for its characterization such as acid value test, trans-esterification, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) test, gas chromatography which showed the feasibility of algal based biofuel. The comparison of properties of extracted biofuel (physicochemical) from Azollla pinnta was done with standardized ASTM D6751 values. The outcome of produced biofuel was very close to conventional fuel.

Advancement in utilization of magnetic catalysts for production of sustainable biofuels.

In this study, we summarize recent advances in the synthesis of magnetic catalysts utilized for biodiesel production, particularly focusing on the physicochemical properties, activity, and reusability of magnetic mixed metal oxides, supported magnetic catalysts, ionic acid-functionalized magnetic catalysts, heteropolyacid-based magnetic catalysts, and metal-organic framework-based magnetic catalysts. The prevailing reaction conditions in the production of biodiesel are also discussed. Lastly, the current limitations and challenges for future research needs in the magnetic catalyst field are presented.

Sustainable Biofuels from First Three Alcohol Families: A Critical Review

With its unique qualities, such as infinite supply, high octane number, and capacity to cut greenhouse gas emissions, alcohol is a viable alternative fuel for SI engines. This review article aims to reveal to readers the effects of alcohol on the performance, combustion behavior, and emission characteristics of SI engines by collecting the outcomes from previous research. This article looks at methanol, ethanol, and butanol fuel qualities. The performance of SI engines with butanol, ethanol, and methanol combined with gasoline is investigated in terms of brake torque, brake power, fuel consumption, thermal efficiency, volumetric efficiency, mean effective pressure, and coefficient of variation under various conditions. Second, in-cylinder pressure, mass fraction burnt, ignition delay, pressure increases, and heat release rates are also used to evaluate the combustion characteristic. Finally, the article discusses pollutant emissions such as CO, CO2, NOx, UHC, and exhaust gas temperature. Methanol, ethanol, and butanol mixed with gasoline increased fuel consumption and lowered spark-ignition engines’ thermal efficiency. When alcohol was combined with gasoline, most research found that CO, NOx, and UHC emissions were reduced due to improved combustion.

Ten new high-quality genome assemblies for diverse bioenergy sorghum genotypes.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an agriculturally and economically important staple crop that has immense potential as a bioenergy feedstock due to its relatively high productivity on marginal lands. To capitalize on and further improve sorghum as a potential source of sustainable biofuel, it is essential to understand the genomic mechanisms underlying complex traits related to yield, composition, and environmental adaptations. Expanding on a recently developed mapping population, we generated de novo genome assemblies for 10 parental genotypes from this population and identified a comprehensive set of over 24 thousand large structural variants (SVs) and over 10.5 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We show that SVs and nonsynonymous SNPs are enriched in different gene categories, emphasizing the need for long read sequencing in crop species to identify novel variation. Furthermore, we highlight SVs and SNPs occurring in genes and pathways with known associations to critical bioenergy-related phenotypes and characterize the landscape of genetic differences between sweet and cellulosic genotypes. These resources can be integrated into both ongoing and future mapping and trait discovery for sorghum and its myriad uses including food, feed, bioenergy, and increasingly as a carbon dioxide removal mechanism.

Exploring the Pivotal Significance of Microalgae-Derived Sustainable Lipid Production: A Critical Review of Green Bioenergy Development

The persistent fight against global environmental threats and energy catastrophe is currently a major concern for the economic development of bioenergy across the entire country. Hence, traditional fuel-based reserves are overburdened to cope with the rapid energy crisis, necessitating an urgent need for an innovative carbon-neutral green-energy resource. In order to address these critical bottlenecks, microalgae with incredible metabolic versatility have paved the way for a pivotal attention towards sustainable biofuel production. However, due to high operational costs and low lipid productivity, the microalgae-based biofuel resource is still in its infancy. As a result, this problem can be overcome by incorporating engineered microalgal strains which can pave the way for significant lipid augmentation for biofuel production. Thus, our current review depicts an in-depth understanding of a multi-omics approach to microalgae, the broad scope of self-sustaining microalgae cultivation, lipid-extraction strategies, and conversion processes to improve economic commercialization in the bioenergy framework. The present review also provides a detailed analysis of the international and national status of bioenergy development by several federal agencies.

Sustainable Biofuels from Algae- Process and Methods Adapted: A Review

Sustainable Biofuels from Algae- Process and Methods Adapted: A Review

Recent progress and challenges in biotechnological valorization of lignocellulosic materials: Towards sustainable biofuels and platform chemicals synthesis.

Lignocellulosic materials (LCM) have garnered attention as feedstocks for second-generation biofuels and platform chemicals. With an estimated annual production of nearly 200 billion tons, LCM represent an abundant source of clean, renewable, and sustainable carbon that can be funneled to numerous biofuels and platform chemicals by sustainable microbial bioprocessing. However, the low bioavailability of LCM due to the recalcitrant nature of plant cell components, the complexity and compositional heterogeneity of LCM monomers, and the limited metabolic flexibility of wild-type product-forming microorganisms to simultaneously utilize various LCM monomers are major roadblocks. Several innovative strategies have been proposed recently to counter these issues and expedite the widespread commercialization of biorefineries using LCM as feedstocks. Herein, we critically summarize the recent advances in the biological valorization of LCM to value-added products. The review focuses on the progress achieved in the development of strategies that boost efficiency indicators such as yield and selectivity, minimize carbon losses via integrated biorefinery concepts, facilitate carbon co-metabolism and carbon-flux redirection towards targeted products using recently engineered microorganisms, and address specific product-related challenges, to provide perspectives on future research needs and developments. The strategies and views presented here could guide future studies in developing feasible and economically sustainable LCM-based biorefineries as a crucial node in achieving carbon neutrality.

Transportation Biofuels in Latvia: A Life Cycle Thinking Approach

Abstract Transport consumes around one-third of Latvia’s final energy demand being the largest sector that produces greenhouse gas emissions. In Latvia, in the year 2019, the share of renewable energy sources in the transport sector was only 4.8 % of the total gross consumption with a target of 7 % of not food-based biofuels by 2030. To tackle climate change problems, one significant task is reducing pollution in the transport sector by substituting fossil with biomass-based fuels. The goal of this study is to develop a methodology for evaluating biofuel production in Latvia considering economic, social, environmental, and technological aspects. A total of 16 specific criteria were selected for biofuel comparison. The methodology is based on a combination of two quantitative approaches, namely Life Cycle Assessment and Multi-Criteria Analysis. The proposed method aims to identify the most sustainable biofuel in Latvia according to a set of specific indicators.

Review of Sustainable Biofuel Supply Chain Model Design

This paper presents a bibliometric analysis and review of the progress of sustainable biofuel supply chain research. Based on a search of the Scopus database, it resulted in 208 articles published from 2013 to 2022. Bibliometric analysis examines the results by observing keywords, journal trends, and authorship. The results of the analysis of publication trends or publication developments show an increase in article publications in the field of sustainable biofuel supply chain research. Mapping science analysis forms a classification of articles to analyze research themes that have emerged over the past ten years, and to present future research.