Ultrasound Assisted Pre-treatments for the Efficient And Sustainable Conversion of Biomass Into Biofuels

Shefali Thakur

Department of Chemical Engineering; Institute of Chemical Technology; Mumbai 400019

Manav Shanghvi

Department of Chemical Engineering; Institute of Chemical Technology; Mumbai 400019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36664/bt/2023/v70i1/173198

Keywords: Delignification, Depolymerisation, Sonicator, Cavitation, Design.


Abstract

The growing focus on sustainable and efficient biomass-to-biofuels conversion, driven by environmental
concerns and the demand for eco-friendly processes has become a key area of research. Biomass, a vital
renewable energy source, harbors the potential for direct transformation into liquid biofuels such as ethanol
and biodiesel, signifying a noteworthy progression in biofuel technology. Persistent challenges, including
suboptimal biofuel yields and heightened production costs arise from incomplete cellulose digestion shielded
by lignin. In response, various pretreatment methods have been investigated to augment cellulose and
hemicellulose accessibility by disrupting lignin cross-links. Among these strategies, ultrasonic irradiation or
sonication emerges as a promising eco-friendly pretreatment for the efficient conversion of lignocellulosic
biomass into biofuels.
This article explores the prerequisites of effective pretreatments, highlighting the significance of dual
application, minimal energy consumption, the use of economically viable chemicals, and consideration of
moderate temperatures and pressures. By delving into the mechanism of ultrasound irradiation, the study
elucidates how ultrasound waves generate cavitation bubbles, initiating both physical and chemical
transformations in biomass. In-depth discussions encompass factors influencing sonication, including
duration, frequency, power, temperature, liquid medium, and suspended solids. Critical considerations for
optimizing pretreatment efficiency are outlined in the design aspects of sonochemical reactors, covering
reactor configuration, ultrasonic frequency, power dissipation, duration, and temperature. The article
concludes by underscoring the evolving potential of ultrasound-assisted pretreatments in biofuel production
and encourages further detailed advancements and comprehensive studies to actualize their full-scale
industrial applications.

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