A review of thermochemical and biochemical conversion of miscanthus to biofuels

Abstract

Miscanthus is recently being considered as an energy crop for biofuel production because of certain features, such as adaptability to lower temperature, efficient use of water and nutrients, low or no need of nitrogen fertilisers, high biomass yield, fast-growing cycle and less-intensive agricultural cultivation practices than other energy crops. This review is focused on the value-added applications and conversion of Miscanthus for bioenergy and biomaterial applications. The thermochemical conversion technologies reviewed in this chapter include pyrolysis, liquefaction, torrefaction and gasification, whereas biochemical conversion technologies include enzymatic saccharification and fermentation. The value-added applications of Miscanthus discussed in this chapter include pulp and papermaking, biocomposites and biochemical production. The physicochemical properties of bio-oil and biochar generated from Miscanthus have been thoroughly described for fuel and material applications.