Hydrothermal pretreatment of woody biomass and potential non-fuel applications of the solubilized constituents

Abstract

Predictions as to the quantity of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) available vary considerably. Estimates range from at least 4 billion to as much as 170 billion metric tons per year worldwide (Klass, 1998; Rowell, 2007). Estimates of total quantity of woody biomass available range from at least 1.75 to 75 billion metric tons per year worldwide ( ~43% of total LCB) (Klass, 1998; Rowell, 2007). In the US, the forest-based biomass supply physically available in 2011 was estimated to be ~45 million dry tonnes per year depending on market economics with a feasible increase to as much as 225 million dry tonnes achievable with longer-term industry growth (Skog and Stanturf, 2011). In contrast, the USDOE's "Billion Ton Study" predicted a potential supply of 1.3 billion dry tonnes of forest-based woody biomass to be sustainably available by the mid-21st century (Skog and Stanturf, 2011). Nonwoody LCB types, such as agricultural residues and grasses, account for additional potentially available biomass not included in the estimates above. Both woody and nonwoody LCB types have certain advantages; however, woody biomass is likely the best candidate for near-term implementation: it allows for year-round harvesting and supply, and it has environmental benefits, a relatively higher density, a higher lignin content, and a lower inorganic content compared to agricultural biomass (Zhu et al., 2010). Most importantly, it is not in conflict with food and feed production. For these reasons, this chapter will focus on wood as the cornerstone of lignocellulosic-based second-generation (2G) biorefineries.

Citation

Corbett, Derek; Nagardeolekar, Aditi; Dongre, Prajakta; Bujanovic, Biljana M. 2023. Hydrothermal pretreatment of woody biomass and potential non-fuel applications of the solubilized constituents. Chapter 9, In: Kumar, D.; Kumar, S.; Rajendran, K., eds., Sustainable Biorefining of Woody Biomass to Biofuels and Biochemicals. Cambridge, MA: Elsevier: 215-262. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91187-0.00003-5.