Conversion of lignocellulosic waste biomass into valuable derivatives and their pretreatment potential: An overview

Abstract

Lignocellulosic waste biomass (LWB) is a rich source of valuable bioresources. Its generation is rapidly increasing globally, due to the expansion of agricultural activities and the growth of food processing industries. Owing to its complex structure, effective pre-treatment is essential to unlock its potential. Developing cost-effective and energy-efficient pre-treatment methods is crucial to make biomass-derived products competitive in the market and to support the bio-economy. This comprehensive review compiles recent advancements in various pre-treatment techniques, analyzing their advantages and limitations to guide future research focused on process optimization and energy efficiency. The review also explores the economic potential of biomass derivatives obtained after the pre-treatment, helping the scientific community to assess cost-recovery strategies. Key cellulose and hemicellulose-derived compounds include polyhydroxyalkanoates, sorbitol, ethanol, hydroxy methyl furfural, ethylene, citric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, glutamic acid, gluconic acid, butanol, acetone, furfuryl alcohol, 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrofuran, tetra hydro furfuryl alcohol, maleic anhydride, and 1,5-pentanediol—with market prices ranging between US$ 0.06/kg and US$ 10/kg. In contrast, lignin-derived products, such as lignosulfonates and organosolv lignin, have comparatively lower market values, ranging from US$ 0.1/kg to US$ 0.6/kg. These insights can serve as a foundation for developing innovative pre-treatment strategies that balance the efficiency, sustainability and economic viability.