Biomass Pyrolysis Pathways for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Resource Recovery: A Critical Review of Processes, Parameters, and Product Valorization

Nicoleta Ungureanu, Nicolae-Valentin Vlăduț (), Sorin-Ștefan Biriș, Neluș-Evelin Gheorghiță () and Mariana Ionescu
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Nicoleta Ungureanu: Department of Biotechnical Systems, Faculty of Biotechnical Systems Engineering, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Nicolae-Valentin Vlăduț: National Institute of Research—Development for Machines and Installations Designed for Agriculture and Food Industry—INMA Bucharest, 013813 Bucharest, Romania
Sorin-Ștefan Biriș: Department of Biotechnical Systems, Faculty of Biotechnical Systems Engineering, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Neluș-Evelin Gheorghiță: Department of Biotechnical Systems, Faculty of Biotechnical Systems Engineering, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Mariana Ionescu: Department of Biotechnical Systems, Faculty of Biotechnical Systems Engineering, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-71

Abstract: The increasing demand for renewable energy has intensified research on lignocellulosic biomass pyrolysis as a versatile route for sustainable energy and resource recovery. This study provides a comparative overview of main pyrolysis regimes (slow, intermediate, fast, and flash), emphasizing operational parameters, typical product yields, and technological readiness levels (TRLs). Reactor configurations, including fixed-bed, fluidized-bed, rotary kiln, auger, and microwave-assisted systems, are analyzed in terms of design, advantages, limitations, and TRL status. Key process parameters, such as temperature, heating rate, vapor residence time, reaction atmosphere, and catalyst type, critically influence the yields and properties of biochar, bio-oil, and syngas. Increased temperatures and fast heating rates favor liquid and gas production, whereas lower temperatures and longer residence times enhance biochar yield and carbon content. CO 2 and H 2 O atmospheres modify product distribution, with CO 2 increasing gas formation and biochar surface area and steam enhancing bio-oil yield at the expense of solid carbon. Catalytic pyrolysis improves selectivity toward target products, though trade-offs exist between char and oil yields depending on feedstock and catalyst choice. These insights underscore the interdependent effects of process parameters and reactor design, highlighting opportunities for optimizing pyrolysis pathways for energy recovery, material valorization, and sustainable bioeconomy applications.

Keywords: renewable energy; thermochemical conversion; biomass pyrolysis; reactor configuration; TRL; biochar; bio-oil; syngas (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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