Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Bioenergy Production

Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Bioenergy Production presents the latest developments in the pretreatment of recalcitrant lignocellulosic materials. With an emphasis on commercially ready and near-commercially ready technologies, the book comprehensively analyses the physical, chemical, and biological methods for biomass pretreatment. Divided into three parts, the book begins with a systematic review of the anatomy and ultrastructure of plant cell walls, the chemical structure of cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and lignin-carbohydrate complexes, and the methods for their analysis. Part Two delves into the various pretreatment technologies including physical, physical-chemical, chemical, biological, and combined approaches. The advantages and disadvantages are examined, and industrial and pre-industrial applications are presented. Finally, Part Three covers saccharification and fermentation methods, enzyme engineering, and the utilization of by-products generated during the pretreatment and fermentation processes. By-products such as xylan, 5-HMF, furfural, phenolic compounds, organic acids, and lignin are discussed in terms of their further conversion and applications. With its extensive coverage of pretreatment techniques, structural analysis, and utilization of by-products, Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Bioenergy Production serves as a valuable resource for researchers and professionals in the field of biofuel production.

• Critically evaluates the latest developments in the pretreatment of recalcitrant biomass for biofuels
• Addresses the utilization of co-products in the production of biomass energy
• Presents case studies of lignocellulosic pretreatment from industry production plants