Overview of biomass conversion to biofuels

This chapter introduces the main biomass conversion routes to biofuels currently available in industry. It begins with a general comparison between first- and second-generation lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks, and the lessons learned by utilizing each of these, future trends, and necessary pretreatments are also described. The theoretical operation of catalytic, biochemical, thermochemical processes, and their integration for solid, liquid, and gaseous biofuels production are discussed. Some of the most relevant emissions, operational control problems, and viable waste streams for upgrading are reported. Furthermore, a comprehensive in-depth discussion is included from the upstream pretreatments to downstream emissions control for sustainable biofuels production and utilization at an industrial scale. This includes the effect of biomass quality, pretreatments, thermochemical and biochemical processes, tar conditioning/reforming, and biofuels characteristics for efficient, economic, and environmental friendly production of low carbon biofuels