Scaling-up clean production of biomass-derived organic acids a step towards the realization of dual carbon goals: A review

Abstract

The contemporary world has issues related to energy, the environment, and food security. The use of carbon capture, storage, and utilization technologies can help cut CO2 emissions from fossil fuels, which will result in major advancements toward the dual carbon targets. In addition to promoting environmentally friendly manufacturing, the chemical industries may replace fossil-based raw materials with renewable biomass for the manufacture of organic acid and syngas. Although several studies are being conducted on co-volarization of CO2 and biomass feedstocks to produce organic acids and fine chemicals using biotechnology, thermocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis. But there are still various obstacles in scaling up clean production including: (i) addressing environmental concerns; (ii) the intricate structure and chemical composition of biomass; (iii) conversion mechanisms and processes; (iv) designing catalyst materials with higher durability and recyclability; (v) greener solvent systems for catalysis and extraction; (vi) the deployment of modern technologies for characterization; (vii) training and guidelines for industrial operations; and (vi). governmental financing and policy. The sustainable manufacturing of biobased products from raw feedstocks produced from biomass has been made possible by technological breakthroughs in photo/biorefineries, which are essential for the clean and environmentally friendly synthesis of organic acids. It is anticipated that clean production of organic acids produced from biomass will have a dominant market share, benefiting from both socioeconomic and environmental factors. With future technical developments, the volarization of feedstocks obtained from biomass paired with CO2 for the manufacturing of fuels, and fine chemicals will be more ecologically and economically feasible.