Organosolv pretreatment for biorefineries: Current status, perspectives, and challenges

Author(s)

Rabelo, Sarita Candida ; Nakasu, Pedro Yoritomo Souza ; Scopel, Eupidio ; Araujo, Michelle Fernandes ; Cardoso, Luiz Henrique ; da Costa, Aline Carvalho

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Bioresource Technology; v. 369, p. 13-pg., 2023-02-01.

Abstract

Biorefineries integrate processes for the sustainable conversion of biomass into chemicals, materials, and bio-energy so that resources are optimized and effluents are minimized. Despite the vast potential of lignocellulosic biorefineries, their success depends heavily on effective, economically viable, and sustainable biomass frac -tionation. Although efficient, organosolv pretreatment still faces challenges that must be overcome for its widespread utilization, mainly related to solvent type and recycling, robustness regarding biomass type and integration of hemicellulose recovery and use. This review shows the recent advances and state-of-the-art of organosolv pretreatment, discussing the advances, such as the use of biobased solvents, whilst also shedding light on the perspectives of using the streams - cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin - to produce biofuels and products of high added value. In addition, it presents an overview of the existing industrial implementations of organosolv processes and, lastly, shows the main scientific and industrial challenges and opportunities for this process. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/19360-3 - Plant cell wall-inspired nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical applications
• Grantee: Eupídio Scopel
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 15/20630-4 - Biorefinery development integrated to a bioethanol sugar cane plant with zero CO2 emission: routes to convert renewable resources to bio-products and bio-electricity
• Grantee: Rubens Maciel Filho
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/11380-5 - CPTEn - São Paulo Center for the Study of Energy Transition
• Grantee: Luiz Carlos Pereira da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Science Centers for Development