Efficient transformation of biomass to value-added chemicals and high-energy density fuels is pivotal for a more sustainable economy and carbon-neutral society. In this framework, developing potential cascade chemical processes using functionalised heterogeneous catalysts is essential because of their versatile roles towards viable biomass valorisation. Advances in materials science and catalysis have provided several innovative strategies for the design of new appealing catalytic materials with well-defined structures and special characteristics. Promising catalytic materials that have paved the way for exciting scientific breakthroughs in biomass upgrading are carbon materials, metal–organic frameworks, solid phase ionic liquids, and magnetic iron oxides. These fascinating catalysts offer unique possibilities to accommodate adequate amounts of acid–base and redox functional species, hence enabling various biomass conversion reactions in a one-pot way. This review therefore aims to provide a comprehensive account of the most significant advances in the development of functionalised heterogeneous catalysts for efficient biomass upgrading. In addition, this review highlights important progress ensued in tailoring the immobilisation of desirable functional groups on particular sites of the above-listed materials, while critically discussing the role of consequent properties on cascade reactions as well as on other vital processes within the bio-refinery. Current challenges and future opportunities towards a rational design of novel functionalised heterogeneous catalysts for sustainable biomass valorisation are also emphasized.

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Functionalised heterogeneous catalysts for sustainable biomass valorisation

Insights into biochar and hydrochar production and applications: A review

The increasing demand for energy and diminishing sources of fossil fuels have called for the discovery of new energy sources. The effective energy conversion process of biomass is able to fulfill energy needs. Among the advanced biomass conversion technologies, thermochemical processes hold considerable potential approaches and needed for optimization. Thus, this study presents a comprehensive review of the research and development on the effects of catalysts on the thermochemical conversion of biomass to determine the progress of catalytic thermochemical conversion processes. The effects of catalysts on torrefaction, pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, and gasification are highlighted. Aspects related to reaction conditions, reactor types, and products are discussed comprehensively with the reaction mechanisms involved in the catalytic effects. Hydrogenation and hydrodeoxygenation can occur in the presence of zeolite catalysts during fast pyrolysis while producing highly aromatic bio-oil. A heterogeneous catalyst in liquefaction increases the hydrocarbon content and decreases viscosity, acid value, and oxygenated compounds in the bio-oil. Thus, expanding and enhancing knowledge about catalyst utilization in the thermochemical conversion technologies of biomass will play an important role in the generation of renewable and carbon-neutral fuels.

Catalytic thermochemical conversion of biomass for biofuel production: A comprehensive review

Biodiesel is a recognized replacement for diesel fuel in compressed ignition engines due to its significant environmental benefits. The purpose of this study is to investigate the engine performance and emissions produced from Jatropha curcas, Ceiba pentandra and Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel in compressed ignition engine. The biodiesel production process and properties are discussed and a comparison of the three biodiesels as well as diesel fuel is undertaken. After that, engine performance and emissions testing was conducted using biodiesel blends 10%, 20%, 30% and 50% in a diesel engine at full throttle load. The engine performance shows that those biodiesel blends are suitable for use in diesel engines. A 10% biodiesel blend shows the best engine performance in terms of engine torque, engine power, fuel consumption and brake thermal efficiency among the all blending ratios for the three biodiesel blends. Biodiesel blends have also shown a significant reduction in CO2, CO and smoke opacity with a slight increase in NOx emissions.

(Energy, SCI-Q1, Top 10%) - Engine performance and emissions using Jatropha curcas, Ceiba pentandra and Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel in a CI diesel engine

A state-of-the-art review on thermochemical conversion of biomass for biofuel production: A TG-FTIR approach

The research on biodiesel production via heterogeneous catalyzed approach is continuously studied by scientist in order to gain a sustainable process for industrial production and to improve its fuel quality The green resource of biodiesel feedstock and catalyst is the major criteria to influence the biodiesel yield and sustainability of the process For the state of the art biodiesel production technology, heterogeneous catalyst received great attention for simple and low cost manufacturing process In terms of easy separation and high reusability The most special characteristic of heterogeneous catalyst is its tuning properties that generate acidic-basicity, surface area and porosity that can highly advance the variety of the feedstock for esterification/transesterification process Different traits of the heterogeneous catalysts (solid base, solid acid, acid-base and bio-catalyst) are studied in this review as each holds a specialty of features to the process Thus, the study of heterogeneous catalyst should continue to be evaluated and taken into account if the catalyst are to be employed in the commercial sector as that remains the pivotal goal of these studies In consideration to the debate of food vs fuel as well as low cost production, non-edible feedstock was further discussed by using heterogeneous catalyzed system

H. Haziratul Mardhiah

Papers

A review on latest developments and future prospects of heterogeneous catalyst in biodiesel production from non-edible oils

Investigation of carbon-based solid acid catalyst from Jatropha curcas biomass in biodiesel production