Technological advancements in the production and application of biomethanol

Abstract

There is a worldwide concern for the emission of greenhouse gases from the overdependence and exploitation of fossil fuels. Several technological and industrial infrastructures heavily rely on fossil fuel-based energy systems. There is a paradigm shift in replacing fossil fuels with cleaner fuels derived from renewable biomass due to their carbon neutrality, sustainability, and global acceptance. Therefore, renewable energy sources are considered as alternative energy pool for sustainable purposes. In this context, biomass is seen as a promising option with great potential for the conversion to biofuels and biochemicals. Biomethanol is one of such biochemicals, which can be produced from biomass and biogenic wastes through thermochemical and biological routes. In this chapter, the industrial applications and production pathways of biomethanol is comprehensively discussed. The challenges and perspectives of several technologies used in biomethanol production are summarized.