Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis of Forest Biomass

I. Fernández (), S. F. Pérez, J. Fernández-Ferreras and T. Llano
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I. Fernández: Department of Electrical and Energy Engineering, ETSIIyT, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros 46, 39005 Santander, Spain
S. F. Pérez: Department of Electrical and Energy Engineering, ETSIIyT, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros 46, 39005 Santander, Spain
J. Fernández-Ferreras: Department of Chemistry and Process & Resources Engineering, ETSIIyT, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros 46, 39005 Santander, Spain
T. Llano: Department of Chemistry and Process & Resources Engineering, ETSIIyT, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros 46, 39005 Santander, Spain

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-34

Abstract: The global increase in energy consumption, driven by population growth and improved living standards, has led to a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, causing significant environmental concerns. This has prompted a shift toward sustainable energy sources, with biomass, especially lignocellulosic forest biomass, emerging as a key alternative due to its abundance and carbon-neutral potential. Microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MAP) is an efficient method for converting forest biomass into valuable bioproducts and bioenergy with reduced energy use. This review introduces biomass types, focusing on forest biomass and its role in global energy production. It compares MAP to conventional pyrolysis, highlighting the benefits of rapid, uniform heating and improved product yields. Key operational conditions, such as temperature, microwave power, biomass size, and catalyst ratios, are discussed in relation to their impact on product quality and yield. Despite its advantages, MAP faces challenges, particularly in temperature control, which can affect bio-oil yield and quality. High temperatures may cause unwanted secondary reactions, while low temperatures can lead to incomplete decomposition. Research into biomass dielectric properties and process modeling is essential in order to optimize MAP and scale it up for industrial use. Addressing bio-oil quality issues through catalytic upgrading is also critical for broader adoption.

Keywords: microwave-assisted pyrolysis; forest biomass; feedstocks; absorbers; temperature; power; catalyst (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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