Ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass: pretreatment challenges and opportunities in sustainable waste management and energy Production

Ravi Kumar; Nitin Kumar; Sonu Saini; Charan Singh; Pradyuman Barnwal; Anil Panghal

doi:10.1002/bbb.70039

journal article Aug 12, 2025

Ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass: pretreatment challenges and opportunities in sustainable waste management and energy Production

Ravi Kumar

Nitin Kumar

Sonu Saini Charan Singh

Pradyuman Barnwal Anil Panghal

Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining Vol. 19 No. 6 pp. 2712-2738 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/bbb.70039

Abstract

Abstract
Waste management and the growing demand for energy owing to industrialization are critical global issues. The depletion of fossil fuels and the threat of global warming have highlighted the need for alternative solutions. Ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) offers a promising approach to address these challenges. However, the complex structure of LCB requires pretreatment to enhance its accessibility for biofuel production. This step, although essential, is the second most costly in biofuel production, comprising about 20% of the total investment. Various pretreatment methods, namely hydrothermal, chemical, physical and biological, have been developed, each with its advantages and limitations. To overcome such obstacles, the synergetic application of employing physical with a mild‐chemical process seems to be a promising approach in terms of energy conservation, cost‐effectiveness and environmental security. The selection of the appropriate method depends on the characteristics of the LCB and the desired outcome. This review provides an overview of current pretreatment techniques, assessing their effectiveness in separating valuable biopolymeric components, and highlights ongoing efforts to develop cost‐effective, versatile methods for large‐scale lignocellulosic biofuel production.

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Details

Published: Aug 12, 2025
Vol/Issue: 19(6)
Pages: 2712-2738
License: View

Authors

R

Ravi Kumar

Department of Processing and Food Engineering CCS Haryana Agricultural University Hisar Haryana India; Dairy Engineering Division, ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute Karnal Haryana India

N

Nitin Kumar

Department of Processing and Food Engineering CCS Haryana Agricultural University Hisar Haryana India

S

Sonu Saini

Department of Biotechnology Baba Mastnath University Rohtak Haryana India

C

Charan Singh

College of Agriculture, Bawal CCS Haryana Agricultural University Hisar Haryana India

P

Pradyuman Barnwal

Dairy Engineering Division, ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute Karnal Haryana India

A

Anil Panghal

Department of Processing and Food Engineering CCS Haryana Agricultural University Hisar Haryana India

Cite This Article

Ravi Kumar, Nitin Kumar, Sonu Saini, et al. (2025). Ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass: pretreatment challenges and opportunities in sustainable waste management and energy Production. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining, 19(6), 2712-2738. https://doi.org/10.1002/bbb.70039

Ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass: pretreatment challenges and opportunities in sustainable waste management and energy Production

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