Application of Microwave Energy to Biomass: A Comprehensive Review of Microwave-Assisted Technologies, Optimization Parameters, and the Strengths and Weaknesses

• Published in: Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing Vol. 8; no. 3; p. 121
• Main Authors: Lozano Pérez, Alejandra Sophia, Lozada Castro, Juan José, Guerrero Fajardo, Carlos Alberto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.06.2024
• Subjects: Biodiesel fuels; Biofuels; Biomass; Biomass energy production; Carbohydrates; Chemistry; Efficiency; Energy; Energy conservation; Energy consumption; Environmental stewardship; Heat; Hydrothermal pretreatment; Industrial applications; Lipids; MAE; MAHT; MAO; Microwave heating; microwave-assisted processes; Netherlands; Proteins; Pyrolysis; Radiation; Resource recovery; Solvents; Sustainability; Technology application; United Kingdom; Waste management; United Kingdom; Netherlands
• ISSN: 2504-4494; 2504-4494
• DOI: 10.3390/jmmp8030121

This review article focuses on the application of microwave-assisted techniques in various processes, including microwave-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted pyrolysis, microwave-assisted acid hydrolysis, microwave-assisted organosolv, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal pretreatment. This article discusses the mechanisms behind these techniques and their potential for increasing yield, producing more selectivity, and lowering reaction times while reducing energy usage. It also highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each process and emphasizes the need for further research to scale the processes and optimize conditions for industrial applications. A specific case study is presented on the pretreatment of coffee waste, demonstrating how the choice of microwave-assisted processes can lead to different by-products depending on the initial composition of the biomass.