Development perspectives of promising lignocellulose feedstocks for production of advanced generation biofuels: A review

Abstract

Biofuels are environmentally friendly, renewable, and have a low carbon footprint. Industrial-scale production technologies for advanced generation biofuels, though not yet fully mature, are developing fast. This paper critically reviews the sources and production technologies of promising feedstock, covering sustainability criteria and certification for the biofuel products. The trends and perspectives of advanced biofuels including technoeconomic and policy analysis are discussed and examined to evaluate future development. The biofuel properties are directly influenced by feedstock compositions and manufacturing processes. The wide exploitation and application of lignocellulose feedstocks are dominant steps for providing sufficient alternative fuel in global biofuel market. The application potentials of major algae strains for advanced biofuel production are critically analyzed. New types of biofuel should be globally recognized by sustainability criteria and certification. The development of advanced conversion and purification techniques to increase the economic value of byproducts enhances the competitiveness of biofuels. Microalgae and cyanobacteria are considered the most promising feedstocks for various types of advanced biofuel. Genetic modification of algae or bacterial strains and co-cultivation of various microorganisms are found to be effective for growing the required chemical compounds and satisfying the required fuel characteristics. In addition, thermochemical and biochemical conversions are found to be two of the most competitive processes for the production of advanced generation biofuels. A review of the current government policies shows that the most promising policy tools for biofuel development are mandating fuel blending ratios, tax exemption, subsidies for processing equipment and materials, and regulations on land use change.