Microwave-Assisted Conversion of Lignin

Abstract

Microwaves have emerged as a very efficient source of heat for accel-erating many chemical reactions and processes. Actually, ever growing demand of energy and concerns for the environment have prompted researchers to develop convenient and efficient ways for converting lignocellulosic biomass into valuable chemicals, bio-fuels and useful biomaterials. In this chapter, advances on the appli-cation of microwave irradiation technology for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass to produce biofuels and other high value chemicals and the advantages and limitations in the use of microwave technology are reviewed and discussed.