Energy Crops Valorization: Current State and Missing Technologies

Abstract

The production of energy crops as biomass resources for conversion into different fuels is increasingly becoming an issue of industrial interest for establishing a balance between energy security and hunger threats. In line with this perspective, the present review discussed a comprehensive analysis of wide literature on the process commercialization potentials from the catalysis point of view. Concise details on the major energy crops were initially provided together with highlights on current industrial status. Specifically, catalytic fast pyrolysis (including the ablative method) of energy crops feed and derived bio-oil upgrading were discussed. Catalytic strategies suitable for the production of high heating value bio-oil that is rich in hydrocarbons (i.e. both BTEX aromatics and aliphatic) were highlighted. For the interest of commercial advances, the paper discussed the role of different catalytic systems including low-cost oxides, natural zeolites and the catalyst materials derived from industrial wastes such as red mud and steel slags. Perspective areas for further investigations were subsequently highlighted.