This book covers the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass for biofuel production as well as other industrial applications such as in biotechnology, paper and pulp, chemical and bioplastics. Lignocellulosic materials such as agricultural residues (e.g., wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, corn stover), forest products (hardwood and softwood), and crops such as switchgrass and salix, are becoming a potent source for generating valuable products. Lignocellulosic Biomass Production and Industrial Applications describes the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass for various applications. Although there have been numerous reports on lignocellulosic biomass for biofuel application, there have been very few other applications reported for lignocellulosic biomass-based biotechnology, chemicals and polymers. This book covers both application areas. Besides describing the various types of biofuel production, such as bioethanol, biobutanol, biodiesel and biogas from lignocellulosic biomass, it also presents various other lignocellulosic biomass biorefinery applications for the production of enzymes, chemicals, polymers, paper and bioplastics. In addition, there are chapters on valorization of lignocellulosic materials, alkali treatment to improve the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of lignocellulosic natural fibers, and a discussion of the major benefits, limitations and future prospects of the use of lignocellulosic biomass.

Bioenergy Research: Advances and Applications brings biology and engineering together to address the challenges of future energy needs. The book consolidates the most recent research on current technologies, concepts, and commercial developments in various types of widely used biofuels and integrated biorefineries, across the disciplines of biochemistry, biotechnology, phytology, and microbiology. All the chapters in the book are derived from international scientific experts in their respective research areas. They provide you with clear and concise information on both standard and more recent bioenergy production methods, including hydrolysis and microbial fermentation. Chapters are also designed to facilitate early stage researchers, and enables you to easily grasp the concepts, methodologies and application of bioenergy technologies. Each chapter in the book describes the merits and drawbacks of each technology as well as its usefulness. The book provides information on recent approaches to graduates, post-graduates, researchers and practitioners studying and working in field of the bioenergy. It is an invaluable information resource on biomass-based biofuels for fundamental and applied research, catering to researchers in the areas of bio-hydrogen, bioethanol, bio-methane and biorefineries, and the use of microbial processes in the conversion of biomass into biofuels. - Reviews all existing and promising technologies for production of advanced biofuels in addition to bioenergy policies and research funding - Cutting-edge research concepts for biofuels production using biological and biochemical routes, including microbial fuel cells - Includes production methods and conversion processes for all types of biofuels, including bioethanol and biohydrogen, and outlines the pros and cons of each

Industrial Uses of Biomass Energy demonstrates that energy-rich vegetation, biomass, is a key renewable energy resource for the future. Brazil, uniquely, has a recent history of large-scale biomass industrial uses that makes it a specially important test-bed both for the development of biomass technology and its utilisation, and for understanding how this is shaped by political and socio-economic forces. The book analyses the cause for this and the alternatives. It is argued that Brazil's experience with the development for industrial biomass use provides wider lessons and insights in the context of the international movement for sustainable economic development. This book is an interdisciplinary, multi-author work, based upon a recently completed international study by Brazilian and British experts and will prove a valuable reference to all those working in this field.

Biomass presents an authoritative and comprehensive overview of the possibilities for production and use of biomasses of agricultural and industrial importance. Issues related to environment, food, chemicals and energy present serious challenges to the success and stability of nations. The challenge to provide commodities to a rapidly increasing global population has made it imperative to find new technological routes to increase production of consumables while also considering the biospheres ability to regenerate resources. Plant and microbial biomasses are bioresources that may provide solutions to these critical challenges. Divided into five discreet parts, the book covers topics on production of unconventional biomasses and improving of conventional cultures, summarizing a range of useful products derived by biomass. This book provides an insight into future developments in each field and extensive bibliography. It will be an essential resource for researchers and academic and industry professionals in the life sciences.

For the power industry, biomass is just a modern name for the ancient material of plant origin that was converted into energy in the simple technology of burning. This book discusses biomass as a raw material for the production of liquid or gaseous biofuels and valuable chemicals. Such biomass processing should be beneficial from both economic and environmental points of view. Classic technologies of biogas production are still being improved, but they always generate waste that differs in terms of chemical parameters, depending on the feedstock digested. These parameters dictate the manner of their final managing. Various biotechnologies allow the use of the biomass of hydrobionts, such as cyanobacteria as a raw substance for obtaining different products, e.g. hyaluronic acid, biopolymers, fertilizers, or even drugs. Animal fats or algae can be used to produce biodiesel which in turn is used in environmentally friendly urban transport. Even municipal solid waste can be a source of useful biomass. The authors show how its volume and composition can be predicted, by which form of processing it can be converted into valuable products, as well as in which ways its negative environmental impact can be limited.

Biomass for Renewable Energy, Fuels, and Chemicals serves as a comprehensive introduction to the subject for the student and educator, and is useful for researchers who are interested in the technical details of biomass energy production. The coverage and discussion are multidisciplinary, reflecting the many scientific and engineering disciplines involved. The book will appeal to a broad range of energy professionals and specialists, farmers and foresters who are searching for methods of selecting, growing, and converting energy crops, entrepreneurs who are commercializing biomass energy projects, and those involved in designing solid and liquid waste disposal-energy recovery systems. Presents a graduated treatment from basic principles to the details of specific technologies Includes a critical analysis of many biomass energy research and commercialization activities Proposes several new technical approaches to improve efficiencies, net energy production, and economics Reviews failed projects, as well as successes, and methods for overcoming barriers to commercialization Written by a leader in the field with 40 years of educational, research, and commercialization experience

Global energy use is approximately 140 000 TWh per year. Interestingly, biomass production amounts to approximately 270 000 TWh per year, or roughly twice as much, whereas the official figure of biomass use for energy applications is 10-13% of the global energy use. This shows that biomass is not a marginal energy resource but more than capable of