Themed collection Exploring the Frontiers: Unveiling New Horizons in Carbon Efficient Biomass Utilization

33 items
Accepted Manuscript - Tutorial Review

A comparative review on biohydrogen and biomethane production from biowaste through photo-fermentation

Open Access Tutorial Review

Biodegradable polymers: from synthesis methods to applications of lignin-graft-polyester

Biodegradable lignin-based grafted polyesters have wide range of applications.

Graphical abstract: Biodegradable polymers: from synthesis methods to applications of lignin-graft-polyester
Accepted Manuscript - Critical Review

Fast humification of biomass via hydrothermal conversion: A Review

Critical Review

Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation and C–C coupling of lignin and its derivatives into renewable jet-fuel-range cycloalkanes

This review provides an in-depth understanding of the synthesis pathways and corresponding catalytic systems for the production of jet-fuel-range cycloalkanes from lignin and its derivatives via catalytic hydrodeoxygenation and C–C coupling.

Graphical abstract: Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation and C–C coupling of lignin and its derivatives into renewable jet-fuel-range cycloalkanes
Critical Review

Tapping into the natural aromatic potential of microbial lignin valorization towards aromatic fine chemicals

Microbial lignin valorization unleashes the inherent aromatic potential of lignin to maximize the production of aromatic fine chemicals.

Graphical abstract: Tapping into the natural aromatic potential of microbial lignin valorization towards aromatic fine chemicals
Critical Review

Rhenium-based catalysts for biomass conversion

This review highlights the advancements in homogeneous and heterogeneous Re-based catalysts for the conversion of biomass into value-added chemicals.

Graphical abstract: Rhenium-based catalysts for biomass conversion
Critical Review

Carbon negative biochar systems contribute to sustainable urban green infrastructure: a critical review

Biochar from biomass and waste is a valuable component of various urban green infrastructures, including green roofs, permeable pavements, green walls, and green parking lots.

Graphical abstract: Carbon negative biochar systems contribute to sustainable urban green infrastructure: a critical review
Paper

Efficient production of citric acid from lignocellulose hydrolysate by metabolically engineered Yarrowia lipolytica

Engineering Yarrowia lipolytica for sustainably synthesizing citric acid from undetoxified lignocellulosic hydrolysate.

Graphical abstract: Efficient production of citric acid from lignocellulose hydrolysate by metabolically engineered Yarrowia lipolytica
Paper

Construction and optimization of efficient glucose–xylose co-fermenting yeast Yarrowia lipolytica for green and sustainable succinic acid production from lignocellulosic biomass

Genetic modification of Y. lipolytica for the production of succinic acid from undetoxified lignocellulosic hydrolysate.

Graphical abstract: Construction and optimization of efficient glucose–xylose co-fermenting yeast Yarrowia lipolytica for green and sustainable succinic acid production from lignocellulosic biomass
Open Access Paper

Sustainable regeneration of cathode active materials from spent lithium-ion batteries by repurposing waste coffee powder

For the sustainable recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), utilizing renewable materials and minimizing energy consumption are essential. A biomass-based, energy-efficient method was adopted to recover lithium and cobalt from spent LIBs.

Graphical abstract: Sustainable regeneration of cathode active materials from spent lithium-ion batteries by repurposing waste coffee powder
Paper

Constructing a chemoenzymatic strategy for enhancing the efficiency of selectively transforming 5-hydroxymethylfurfural into furan carboxylic acids

An efficient NFCM-mediated chemoenzymatic system was constructed for selectively transforming HMF into furan carboxylic acids.

Graphical abstract: Constructing a chemoenzymatic strategy for enhancing the efficiency of selectively transforming 5-hydroxymethylfurfural into furan carboxylic acids
Open Access Accepted Manuscript - Paper

Deep eutectic solvent-based microextraction system for simultaneous lignocellulose fractionation and furfural production

Paper

Valorization of pomegranate waste through green solvent extraction and biochar production: a zero-waste biorefinery approach

This study presents a zero-waste biorefinery for pomegranate waste, extracting anthocyanins and ellagic acid with green solvents and converting leftovers to biochar.

Graphical abstract: Valorization of pomegranate waste through green solvent extraction and biochar production: a zero-waste biorefinery approach
Open Access Paper

Solid–liquid separation of lignocellulosic sugars from biomass by rotating ceramic disc filtration

A simple, low energy, and productive filtration method to clarify biomass hydrolysate to enable biochemical and thermochemical pathways to biofuels and biochemicals.

Graphical abstract: Solid–liquid separation of lignocellulosic sugars from biomass by rotating ceramic disc filtration
Open Access Paper

Thymol: nature's solvent for sustainable hollow fiber fabrication

Sustainable separation processes like membrane technology are crucial for chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Membrane fabrication needs green materials.

Graphical abstract: Thymol: nature's solvent for sustainable hollow fiber fabrication
Paper

Economic and environmental sustainability of bio-based HMF production and recovery from lignocellulosic biomass

Transforming waste stream of biorefinery into high-value bioproducts.

Graphical abstract: Economic and environmental sustainability of bio-based HMF production and recovery from lignocellulosic biomass
Paper

Robust biocatalyst for the green continuous flow synthesis of esters from biomass-derived furfuryl alcohol and C8–C18 carboxylic acids

A sustainable method suitable for industrial-scale continuous flow synthesis of esters from biomass-derived furfuryl alcohol (FA) and C8–C18 carboxylic acids was developed.

Graphical abstract: Robust biocatalyst for the green continuous flow synthesis of esters from biomass-derived furfuryl alcohol and C8–C18 carboxylic acids
Paper

Improving the expression of taxadiene synthase to enhance the titer of taxadiene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Improve the synthesis of taxadiene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Graphical abstract: Improving the expression of taxadiene synthase to enhance the titer of taxadiene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Open Access Paper

Improving both activity and stability for direct conversion of cellulose to ethanol by decorating Pt/WOx with mononuclear NbOx

The catalytic activity and hydrothermal stability of Pt/WOx are significantly improved by decoration with a mononuclear NbOx promoter affording 25.90 gethanol gPt−1 h−1 in the one-pot conversion of cellulose.

Graphical abstract: Improving both activity and stability for direct conversion of cellulose to ethanol by decorating Pt/WOx with mononuclear NbOx
Paper

Preparation of methyl ethyl ketone from biomass-derived levulinic acid using a metal-free photocatalytic system and life cycle assessment study

We report a metal-free photocatalytic method for producing MEK from LA using acridine photosensitizers and thiophenols, achieving high yield and selectivity. This process has mild conditions and reduces carbon emissions compared to other methods.

Graphical abstract: Preparation of methyl ethyl ketone from biomass-derived levulinic acid using a metal-free photocatalytic system and life cycle assessment study
Open Access Paper

3D structure-functional design of a biomass-derived photocatalyst for antimicrobial efficacy and chemical degradation under ambient conditions

A 3D structural lignin-based photocatalyst achieves high PFAS degradation and rapid pathogen sterilization efficiency under ambient conditions.

Graphical abstract: 3D structure-functional design of a biomass-derived photocatalyst for antimicrobial efficacy and chemical degradation under ambient conditions
Open Access Paper

Efficient and selective extraction of oleanolic acid from grape pomace with dimethyl carbonate

A selective and environmentally friendly method for the extraction of oleanolic acid from grape pomace using bio-based and non-toxic dimethyl carbonate.

Graphical abstract: Efficient and selective extraction of oleanolic acid from grape pomace with dimethyl carbonate
Open Access Paper

Bioprocess development and scale-up for cis,cis-muconic acid production from glucose and xylose by Pseudomonas putida

Bioprocess development enhanced muconate titers and productivities from mixed sugars, leading to reduced production costs and a significant decrease in GHG emissions compared to fossil carbon-based adipic acid production. Created with BioRender.com.

Graphical abstract: Bioprocess development and scale-up for cis,cis-muconic acid production from glucose and xylose by Pseudomonas putida
Paper

Unraveling the secrets of harnessing a surfactant-modified strategy in organosolv pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass for efficient fermentable sugar production

Alkaline-catalyzed organosolv pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass affords excellent delignification, yielding a holocellulose-rich substrate for fermentable sugar production.

Graphical abstract: Unraveling the secrets of harnessing a surfactant-modified strategy in organosolv pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass for efficient fermentable sugar production
Open Access Paper

Path2Green: introducing 12 green extraction principles and a novel metric for assessing sustainability in biomass valorization

We propose an innovative approach to address the pressing need for efficient and transparent evaluation techniques to assess extraction processes’ sustainability.

Graphical abstract: Path2Green: introducing 12 green extraction principles and a novel metric for assessing sustainability in biomass valorization
Paper

Phytic acid derivatized lignin as a thermally stable and flame retardant material

A phosphorus-containing flame retardant was produced via reacting phytic acid and kraft lignin in water.

Graphical abstract: Phytic acid derivatized lignin as a thermally stable and flame retardant material
Paper

Green synthesis of sodium pyrithione salt-activated biomass-derived carbon for aqueous zinc-ion capacitors

An alternative green and sustainable route is proposed to prepare doped activated carbons with large surface areas, rich dopants, and porous structures via co-pyrolysis of lignin or hemi-lignin in the presence of sodium pyrithione.

Graphical abstract: Green synthesis of sodium pyrithione salt-activated biomass-derived carbon for aqueous zinc-ion capacitors
Paper

Efficient hydrodeoxygenation of lignin-derived phenolic compounds under acid-free conditions over carbon-supported NiMo catalysts

This work proposes a novel acid-free NixMoyN/C catalyst for the hydrodeoxygenation of lignin-derived phenolic compounds with high reaction efficiency and stability.

Graphical abstract: Efficient hydrodeoxygenation of lignin-derived phenolic compounds under acid-free conditions over carbon-supported NiMo catalysts
Open Access Paper

Molecular origins of enhanced bioproduct properties by pretreatment of agricultural residues with deep eutectic solvents

The present work provides a multiscale picture of the effect of a promising DES on biomass pretreatment by combining computational and experimental approaches.

Graphical abstract: Molecular origins of enhanced bioproduct properties by pretreatment of agricultural residues with deep eutectic solvents
Paper

Novel diacid–superbase ionic liquids for efficient dissolution of cellulose and simultaneous preparation of multifunctional cellulose materials

Green and sustainable cellulose-based materials are of increasing interest to researchers due to the energy crisis and environmental pollution.

Graphical abstract: Novel diacid–superbase ionic liquids for efficient dissolution of cellulose and simultaneous preparation of multifunctional cellulose materials
Paper

Low-chromophore lignin isolation from natural biomass with polyol-based deep eutectic solvents

Lignocellulose fractionation using a polyhydric-alcohol-based deep eutectic solvent to directly obtain low-chromophore lignin for sunscreen production and digestible solid for outputting fermentable sugars.

Graphical abstract: Low-chromophore lignin isolation from natural biomass with polyol-based deep eutectic solvents
Paper

Green synthesis of lactic acid and carbon dots using food waste and seashell waste

Novel utilisation of seashell waste in lactic acid fermentation, showcasing fluorescent carbon quantum dots synthesised from cell biomass.

Graphical abstract: Green synthesis of lactic acid and carbon dots using food waste and seashell waste
Open Access Paper

Achieving high productivity of 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid from aqueous aromatic streams with Novosphingobium aromaticivorans

Enhancing the production of biochemicals from lignocellulosic biomass is one potential way to decrease society's dependence on fossil fuels.

Graphical abstract: Achieving high productivity of 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid from aqueous aromatic streams with Novosphingobium aromaticivorans
33 items

About this collection

Lignocellulosic biomass serves as a vital storehouse of energy. The utilization of this abundant natural resource has a transformative role in the advancement of sustainable development and human civilization.  Biomass conversion employs environmentally friendly techniques to convert renewable bioresources into valuable products such as biofuels, chemicals, and materials, and it contributes significantly to the transition towards bio-economy, green chemistry, and carbon neutrality. This themed collection showcases cutting-edge research, advancements, and innovations in carbon efficient biomass utilization, with a particular focus on uncovering new possibilities and opportunities in this field. It also includes innovative biotechnical solutions that can effectively transform biomass for a wide range of applications, while addressing the current challenges and prospects in the field of carbon efficient biomass utilization. This collection includes contributions in research in various fields such as green chemistry, synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, enzyme engineering, lignin valorization, biorefineries, sustainability, and environmental studies, among others.

Guest Edited by:  Zhi-Hua Liu (Tianjin University), Bing-Zhi Li (Tianjin University), Joshua Yuan (Washington University in St. Louis), James Clark (University of York), Vânia Zuin Zeidler (Leuphana Universitat Luneburg), Lieve Laurens (National Renewable Energy Laboratory), Arthur Ragauskas (The University of Tennessee Knoxville), Joao Coutinho (CICECO-Universidade de Aveiro) and Buxing Han (Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences).

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