Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass to Liquid Fuels and Chemicals (Energy and Environment Series, Volume 1)

Description

There is increasing recognition that low-cost, high capacity processes for the conversion of biomass into fuels and chemicals are essential for expanding the utilization of carbon neutral processes, reducing dependency on fossil fuel resources, and increasing rural income. While much attention has focused on the use of biomass to produce ethanol via fermentation, high capacity processes are also required for the production of hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass. In this context, this book provides an up-to-date overview of the thermochemical methods available for biomass conversion to liquid fuels and chemicals. In addition to traditional conversion technologies such as fast pyrolysis, new developments are considered, including catalytic routes for the production of liquid fuels from carbohydrates and the use of ionic liquids for lignocellulose utilization. The individual chapters, written by experts in the field, provide an introduction to each topic, as well as describing recent research developments. Review: A good monograph - There are several conversion technologies available for transformation of biomass into biofuels. Biomass can also be utilized to produce heat, steam, motive power and electricity. The contribution of biomass energy to the total energy mix is on the rise and will continue to grow as new technologies are being developed. This book provides an account of the currently available and under-development thermochemical (also hydrothermal) technologies for the production of energy from biomass. The book discusses in details, among other things, the nature and composition of biomass, biomass gasification, hydrotreatment, biomass pyrolysis, so also, processing of individual components of biomass, such as lignin and celluloses to produce fuels and chemicals. All the chapters (19 in all) are very well written,providing a mix of fundamentals and advanced aspects of the topic discussed. At the end of each chapter, there is a paragraph or two on the outlook and future of the technology discussed , so also a list of good number of relevant references, if one wants to explore any topic further. This should be a good book for an enthusiast on biomass energy, a student, or even an expert in the field. The most advanced methods of biomass processing such as hydrothermal, using ionic liquids, and the alike are also discussed in detailed. On the flip side, I did not understand the provision of including chapters on Fischer-Tropsch or synthesis of alcohols from syngas (derived from biomass), as such chapters do not carry any biomass aspects, except that the syngas could have been synthesized from biomass. Instead a chapter or two on biomass separation to facilitate individually processing of its components or theoretical modeling or simulation of some of the processes could have been included. Overall the book is an excellent read!