Roles of mineral matter in biomass processing to biofuels

Abstract

Minerals in biomass have a significant impact on both biofuel quality and yield. This is especially true for current thermochemical biomass conversion processes. However, the roles of plant minerals in biochemical conversion have not been studied extensively, even though they are generally considered to lower the sugar yield because they reduce the feedstock proportion of carbohydrates. A successful strategic solution is thus necessary to overcome the challenges caused by the minerals in biomass, which include (1) decreased quality of biomass feedstocks; (2) reduction of process efficiency; and (3) reduction of the product quality and quantity from biomass conversion. This review summarizes the roles of plant minerals in a biorefinery, focusing on these key challenges. The discussion covers many issues related to plant minerals in biofuel production, including their sources, functions, and distribution in plant biomass, methods of characterizing them, their influence in a biorefinery, and the strategic handling required to manage their occurrence in biomass, based on reported studies. It could inspire better strategies to deal with the variance of mineral content in biomass feedstocks to increase process efficiency and reduce costs while supporting the concept of a circular bioeconomy.

Cellulose first fractionation strategy in lignin valorization: A mini review

“…Fitria et al [21] summarize some strategies to manage high ash content in biomass. Washing/leaching treatment by leaching agents such as water, acid, and chelating agents are reported for demineralization of high-mineral content biomass after harvesting.…”

Understanding the Effects of Ash Content on Various Pretreatment Technologies

“…It should be noted that the assumed ash content in this design case was physiological ash [9] whereas a higher amount of nonphysiological ash can be introduced during harvest and collection, mainly from soil contamination [17]. Regardless, biochemical conversion using nonacidic pretreatment might have different acceptable ash contents [18].…”

“…Ash content adversely affects the processing and efficient utilization of lignocellulosic biomass, particularly during thermochemical processing. The presence of ash in biomass can reduce process conversion efficiency and product yield, alter the properties of the products during storage and upgrading, and lead to excessive wear on processing equipment [1][2][3][4][5][6]. In biochemical conversion, the ash content, such as Ca, Mg, K, Na, B, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, generally decreases the feedstock value by decreasing the proportion of more important components such as cellulose [7].…”