The global crisis due to the rise in greenhouse gases emissions and the rapid depletion of fossil fuels has led to an increased focus towards the utilization of environment friendly technologies for the generation of energy and fuels. In the past few years, researchers have been working on lignocellulosic/algal biomass to produce various biofuels like bioethanol, biobutanol and biogas, and platform chemicals. However, the available technologies suffer from several drawbacks including fewer yields, less tolerance to final product, high product cost, etc. In this context, integrated biorefineries could be explored for the valorization of lignocellulosic/algal biomass, as the integration of several processes will help in significantly reducing the overall cost for the transformation of biomass to biofuels and platform chemicals.
This Research Topic focuses primarily on the sustainability of integrated technologies for the production of biofuels and platform chemicals. The integration of biochemical, thermochemical, and catalytic conversion technologies of lignocellulosic/algal biomass will increase independence from fossil fuels for energy generation and development of bio-based products, contributing to mitigate environmental pollution. Techno-economic and life cycle assessment will further enhance the feasibility of the processes developed in integrated biorefineries. Optimal size of the plants and supply chain of the raw materials and final products will also be covered.
This Research Topic explores the latest developments in lignocelluloses, algal biomass and others biorefineries, and its integration for efficient utilization of feedstocks, zero waste discharges and economically viable technology development. This Research Topic encourages the submissions of original research articles, review articles, short communications, case studies, etc. that cover the following topics:
• Lignocellulosic biorefinery for biofuels and platform chemicals
• Algal biorefinery for biofuels and platform chemicals
• Integration of algal and lignocellulosic biorefineries
• Integration of biochemical/ thermochemical/ catalytic processes for zero discharge
• Lignin valorization for platform chemicals
• Supply chain and logistics
• Techno-economic analysis of integrated biorefineries
• Life cycle assessment
Keywords: Biorefinery, lignocellulosic biomass, algal biomass, supply chain, techno-economic, life cycle assessment
