Techno-Economic Analysis and Life-Cycle Assessment of Biomass Pyrolysis to Levoglucosan, Phenolic Resins, Acetic Acid, and Char

Abstract

Based on the differentiated utilization of the two phases (light and heavy) of Miscanthus pyrolysis oil and the byproduct biochar, this study established a process route with “purification of levoglucosan (LG) from the condensed heavy-phase aqueous extract” as the main product, and the light phase and the aqueous extract oil phase used for the preparation of phenolic resin and acetic acid as byproducts. Concurrently, the biochar was utilized in three distinct applications: combustion for heat supply (HS), soil amendment (SA), and activated carbon (AC), thereby establishing a process system for the high-value utilization of fast pyrolysis of Miscanthus. In terms of economic indicators, the IRR for all three scenarios exceeds the 10% feasibility threshold, with the project payback ranging from 5.19 to 5.38 years. The MSP ranges from 7,400 to 8,000 CNY/t, demonstrating strong market competitiveness. In the sensitivity analysis, fluctuations in plant processing capacity had the most significant impact, followed by fluctuations in the price of LG. In terms of life-cycle assessment, the HS scenario offers the best environmental benefits, with the lowest total greenhouse gas emissions (370.8 gCO₂e/MJ), the highest net emissions (−555.4 gCO₂e/MJ), and the lowest demand for nonrenewable energy (4.37 MJ/MJ). Sensitivity analysis indicates that LG yield is the most critical parameter affecting total greenhouse gas emissions, while the consumption of on-site consumables is the key parameter affecting net greenhouse gas emissions.