Biofuel and biochemical production through biomass transformation using advanced thermochemical and biochemical processes – A review

Prolonged consumption of fossil fuels and emission of greenhouse gases necessitates the need of alternate fuels of eco-friendly nature. Abundance and less emission of pollutants make biomass as promising resource for energy production. Thermochemical and biochemical methods are the efficient technologies for the effective conversion of biomass into biofuel and biochemical products. Biomass is considered as the potential clean energy source but direct combustion of biomass leads to severe environmental concern hence advanced biomass conversion technologies become attractive to produce biofuel and various biochemical products such as hydrogen, ethanol, acetone, butanol, organic acids etc., Suitable pre-treatment methods ensure the effective utilization of lignocellulosic biomass into energy efficient biofuels and allied products. Through bio-electro chemical conversion, microbial fuel cells produce clean and effective bioenergy. Life cycle assessment of biomass in energy production evidenced less greenhouse emissions further it facilitates strategies to be incorporated to ensure sustainability. The present review throws light on advanced thermochemical and biochemical conversion technologies to produce first to fourth generation biofuel and various biochemical products. The review further summarizes the thermochemical and biochemical conversion reactors, bio-electrochemical conversion technologies, role of recombinant technologies and enzyme catalyzed thermochemical conversion processes. The biochemical and thermochemical conversion of biomass to produce biofuels addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) such as SDG 07: Affordable and clean energy, SDG 09: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, SDG 13: Climate action.