Thermal processing of biomass for energy and fuel production

Lignocellulosic biomass, mainly composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, can be converted into fuels and chemicals using biochemical or thermochemical conversion processes. Principles and recent development of major thermochemical conversion technologies, including hydrothermal pretreatment, hydrothermal liquefaction, hydrothermal carbonization, pyrolysis, gasification, and clean combustion, are discussed in this chapter. In addition, major influencing factors and existing problems of each thermochemical conversion technology are reviewed. Finally, the characterization of value-added products from the biomass thermochemical conversion is summarized. This chapter aims to assist policymakers, researchers, and producers in the transformation of biomass thermochemical technologies from the research labs to the commercial markets.